What Does the N Rating on Neodymium Magnets Mean?
The N stands for neodymium, and the number is the material’s maximum energy product in MGOe (mega-gauss-oersteds). A higher number means a stronger magnet at the same size. Grades run from about N35 to N55; we mostly stock N35, N42, N48 and N52. Letters after the number, such as SH, mean a higher temperature rating, not more strength.
Same Size, Different Grades
Here’s what grade does to our 1/2 × 1/8 Inch disc magnets:
An N52 magnet is about 25% stronger than the same size in N42, and about 50% stronger than N35. Going up a size usually adds more pull than going up a grade.
Energy Product by Grade
What the Letters After the Number Mean
| Suffix | Example | Max working temperature |
|---|---|---|
| None | N42 | 80°C (176°F) |
| M | N42M | 100°C (212°F) |
| H | N42H | 120°C (248°F) |
| SH | N42SH | 150°C (302°F) |
| UH | N35UH | 180°C (356°F) |
| EH | N35EH | 200°C (392°F) |
| AH | N35AH | 230°C (446°F) |
Same Pull, More Heat Tolerance
Our 1 × 3/8 Inch discs are rated 37.8 lb in both N42 and N42SH. The SH version isn’t stronger; it keeps that strength up to 150°C (302°F) instead of 80°C (176°F).
Full data for every grade is on our neodymium magnet grades page.
