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Furnace filter size

16x25x4 air filter

A 4-inch media filter for a filter cabinet installed beside the furnace. Several cabinet makers use this size.

Nominal size
16x25x4
Usual actual size
15-1/2 x 24-1/2 x 3-3/4 in
Thickness
4 inch
Change it
Every 6 months

Makers differ by up to about a quarter inch. Shop by the nominal size.

Which MERV to pick

MERV 11 to 13 is common for 4-inch media filters. The deep pleats keep airflow up even at the higher ratings.

What each MERV rating catches

How often to change it

Every 6 months is a good start for a 4 inch filter. Pets, allergies, a remodel or wildfire smoke shorten it; a filter that has turned grey is due whatever the date.

How often to change a furnace filter

Buy this exact size

Links open a search for this size at the store. If you buy through them, the store may pay Filterly a small commission at no cost to you.

16x25x4 questions

What is the actual size of a 16x25x4 filter?

Usually 15-1/2 x 24-1/2 x 3-3/4 inches. 16x25x4 is the nominal size, rounded up, and it is the size to shop by. Makers differ by up to about a quarter inch. Shop by the nominal size.

How often should I change a 16x25x4 filter?

Every 6 months is a good start for a 4 inch filter. Change it sooner with pets, allergies, construction dust or wildfire smoke, and whenever it has turned grey.

What MERV rating should a 16x25x4 filter be?

MERV 11 to 13 is common for 4-inch media filters. The deep pleats keep airflow up even at the higher ratings.

Can I use a 16x25x1 instead?

Not in a 4 inch cabinet. A 1-inch filter leaves a gap that lets air go around it, so the dust skips the filter. Match the thickness printed on your current filter.

Get a text when it is due

Free. We will text or email you when this filter is due, with a link to this size.