16x20x1 air filter
A 16x20x1 filter is a nominal size. Five brands on this page list it between 15.5 x 19.5 x 0.75 and 15.75 x 19.75 x 0.75 inches, so measure your slot and compare it to the brand you plan to buy.
- Printed (nominal)
- 16" x 20" x 1"
- Actual, by brand
- 5 filters listed below
- Spread between brands
- 0.25" wide, 0.25" tall, 0.03" deep
- Face area (nominal)
- 2.22 sq ft
Actual size by brand
| Brand | Width | Height | Depth | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filterbuy | 15.5" | 19.5" | 0.75" | [1] |
| Nordic Pure | 15.5" | 19.5" | 0.75" | [2] |
| AIRx (Discount Filters) | 15.5" | 19.5" | 0.75" | [3] |
| Filtrete | 15.62" | 19.62" | 0.78" | [4] |
| Aerostar | 15.75" | 19.75" | 0.75" | [5] |
MERV options
| Brand | MERV ratings sold at this size | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Filterbuy | 8, 11, 13 | [1] |
| Nordic Pure | 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 | [2] |
| AIRx (Discount Filters) | 7, 8, 11, 13 | [3] |
| Filtrete | 12 | [4] |
| Aerostar | 8 | [5] |
What MERV means: EPA, "What is a MERV rating?"
Listed prices
Prices change often. These are what each seller listed on the date shown.
| Seller | MERV | Pack | Price | Each | Checked | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discount Filters | 8 | 4 | $49.95 | $12.49 | Oct 21, 2026 [3] | Check price |
| Nordic Pure | 8 | 6 | $51.99 | $8.67 | Oct 21, 2026 [2] | |
| Amazon (Aerostar) | 8 | 12 | $68.99 | $5.75 | Oct 21, 2026 [5] | Check price |
Printed size vs actual size
The 16x20x1 on the frame is a nominal size, rounded up to the nearest inch. The filter itself is smaller. Filterbuy, Nordic Pure and the AIRx line at Discount Filters all list 15.5 x 19.5 x 0.75 inches. Filtrete's Amazon listing gives 15.62 x 19.62 x 0.78, and Aerostar lists 15.75 x 19.75 x 0.75.
How much the brands differ
Width and height vary by 0.25 inches across these five brands (15.5 to 15.75, and 19.5 to 19.75). Depth runs from 0.75 to 0.78 inches. A quarter inch is the difference between a filter that sits snug and one that leaves a gap around the edge where air can skip the filter.
How to measure and what to buy
Read the size printed on your current filter, then measure the slot: width, height and depth. If the slot is roomy and close to 15.75 x 19.75, a larger-cut brand such as Aerostar fills it more fully. If the slot is tight or measures nearer 15.5 x 19.5, choose a brand that lists 15.5 x 19.5. If you fall between the two, go with the smaller one, because a filter that is too big will not fit.
Depth matters
The 1 inch filters on this page are 0.75 to 0.78 inches thick. A 1 inch slot cannot take a 2 or 4 inch filter, even with the same 16x20 face. Filtrete lists its MERV 12 version as MPR 1500.
Questions
What is the actual size of a 16x20x1 filter?
It depends on the brand. Filterbuy, Nordic Pure and AIRx list 15.5 x 19.5 x 0.75 inches, Filtrete lists 15.62 x 19.62 x 0.78, and Aerostar lists 15.75 x 19.75 x 0.75.
How much do 16x20x1 brands differ in size?
Across the five brands on this page, width and height differ by up to 0.25 inches, and depth by up to 0.03 inches.
Can I use a 16x20x4 filter in a 16x20x1 slot?
No. The 1 inch filters on this page are 0.75 to 0.78 inches deep, and a 1 inch slot has no room for a filter 2 or more inches deep.
Similar sizes
Not sure which you have? How to read and measure your filter.
Sources
- Filterbuy 16x20x1 air filter product page, read Oct 21, 2026
- Nordic Pure 16x20x1 air filter product page (actual size and price shown per MERV and box size), read Oct 21, 2026
- Discount Filters 16x20x1 furnace air filters, read Oct 21, 2026
- Filtrete 16x20x1 Air Filter, MERV 12, MPR 1500, 4 HVAC Filters (Amazon), read Oct 21, 2026
- Aerostar 16x20x1 Air Filter MERV 8, 12 Pack (Amazon), read Oct 21, 2026