How to measure TPI

When purchasing saws, the TPI will usually be listed in the product spec. However, there may come a time when you don’t have this information to hand, and need to find the number yourself. 

Please note: When measuring TPI, you should always begin the measurement in the centre of the gullet.

Step 1 – Measure 1 inch along blade

Measure 1 inch along the blade, from the centre of the gullet. 

Step 2 – Count teeth

Count the number of teeth in that 1 inch space. This is the blade’s TPI.

The blade on the left has 2 Teeth Per Inch.

A few more examples

This is an example of a blade for sawing plywood and MDF.

It has 12 Teeth Per Inch.

And this is an example of a blade for sawing masonry. 

It has 3 Teeth Per Inch.

Please note: A blade’s TPI may not always be a whole number.

The blade on the left has 7.5 Teeth Per Inch. Within the 1 inch space, there are 7 and a half teeth visible.