
The numbers on a nail file refer to how coarse the grit is on the nail file surface, or the size of each grain. The lower the number, the coarser the grit. For example, 80 is coarser than 100 and 180 is coarser than 240. If there are two numbers, such as 180/240, it means that one side of the file has a finer grit, while the other side has a coarser grit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coarseness | The lower the number, the coarser the grit |
| Abrasiveness | The lower the number, the higher the abrasiveness |
| Functionality | Two numbers, e.g. 180/240, indicate that one side has a finer grit and the other has a coarser grit |
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What You'll Learn

The numbers refer to how coarse the grit is on the nail file surface
The numbers on a nail file refer to how coarse the grit is on the nail file surface. The numbers indicate the size of each grain of sand, with the number telling you how many grains of sand fit into one square inch. The smaller the grains of sand, the more fit into a square inch, and the higher the grit or smoothness.
If you see two numbers, such as 180/240, this means that one side of the file has a finer grit, while the other side has a coarser grit. This significantly expands its functionality. For example, a nail file with 100/180 means that one side is hard (100) and the other is soft (180). This is convenient for working with both your own nails and artificial ones.
The abrasiveness level of the file plays a crucial role in proper nail care. Choosing the wrong file can lead to damage to the nail plate, so it is important to pay attention when selecting a tool. For example, files with an abrasiveness of 120/150 are needed to cut the top layer of gel polish.
The most common grit numbers on the market are 60, 80, 100, 120, 180, 240, 320, 600, and then they go into the thousands.
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The lower the number, the coarser the grit
The numbers on a nail file refer to the coarseness of the grit on the file's surface. The lower the number, the coarser the grit. For example, 80 is coarser than 100, and 180 is coarser than 240. The coarseness of the grit determines the abrasiveness level of the file, which is crucial in proper nail care. Choosing the wrong file can lead to damage to the nail plate, so it is important to select the correct level of abrasiveness.
The number on a nail file indicates how many grains of sand fit into one square inch. The smaller the grains of sand, the more fit into a square inch, resulting in a higher grit and a smoother file. If both numbers on the file are the same, then both sides have the same grit. If the two numbers are different, then the two sides have different grits, with one side being coarser than the other.
For example, a file with numbers 100/180 means that one side of the file is harder (100) and the other side is softer (180). This type of file is convenient for working with both natural and artificial nails, as you do not need to constantly change the file.
Buffs, which are used for buffing nails, have a different range of abrasiveness from files, ranging from 80 to 320 grit.
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The numbers indicate the abrasiveness level of the tool
The numbers on a nail file indicate the abrasiveness level of the tool, which is crucial in proper nail care. Choosing the wrong file can lead to damage to the nail plate, so it is important to pay attention when selecting a tool. The numbers refer to how coarse the grit is on the nail file surface, or more correctly, the size of each grain, as the number tells how many grains of sand fit into one square inch. The smaller the grains of sand, the more fit into a square inch and the higher the grit or smoothness.
If you see two numbers, such as 180/240, this means that one side of the file has a finer grit, while the other side has a coarser grit, which significantly expands its functionality. For example, a file with an abrasiveness of 120/150 is needed to cut the top layer of gel polish. If the two numbers are the same, then both sides have the same grit. If the two numbers are different, then the two sides have different grit.
The lower the number, the coarser the grit. For example, 80 is coarser than 100 and 180 is coarser than 240. Here are the most common grit numbers on the market: 60, 80, 100, 120, 180, 240, 320, 600, and then they go into the thousands.
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Choosing the wrong file can lead to damage to the nail plate
The numbers on a nail file refer to the coarseness of the grit on the nail file's surface. The lower the number, the coarser the grit. For example, 80 is coarser than 100 and 180 is coarser than 240. Choosing the wrong file can lead to damage to the nail plate, so it is important to pay attention when selecting a file.
The numbers indicate the abrasiveness level of the tool, which plays a crucial role in proper nail care. The most important factor to consider when choosing a file is the abrasiveness level, or the roughness of the working surface. If you are using a file with a very coarse grit, you may find that your nails become damaged.
If you are using a file with a very fine grit, it may not be effective at shaping your nails. It is important to choose a file with the correct abrasiveness level for your nail type. For example, if you have healthy, firm nails, you may want to use a medium-hard nail file with an abrasiveness of 120/150.
You may also encounter two numbers on a nail file, such as 180/240. This means that one side of the file has a finer grit, while the other side has a coarser grit, which significantly expands its functionality.
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If both numbers are the same, then both sides have the same grit
The numbers on a nail file refer to the coarseness of the grit on the nail file's surface. The lower the number, the coarser the grit. For example, 80 is coarser than 100, and 180 is coarser than 240. If both numbers are the same, then both sides of the nail file have the same grit. This means that the file has the same level of abrasiveness on both sides.
The abrasiveness level of a nail file is important as it plays a crucial role in proper nail care. Choosing the wrong file can lead to damage to the nail plate. For example, metal nail files were once popular, but their rigidity often led to nail damage.
Nail files with different grits on each side, such as 180/240, significantly expand the functionality of the file. This means that one side of the file has a finer grit, while the other side has a coarser grit. Files with an abrasiveness of 120/150 are needed to cut the top layer of gel polish.
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Frequently asked questions
The numbers refer to the abrasiveness level of the file, or how coarse the grit is. The lower the number, the coarser the grit.
Choosing the wrong file can lead to damage to the nail plate, so it's important to pay attention to the abrasiveness level when selecting a tool.
This means that the two sides of the file have different grits, with one side being coarser than the other.











































