Makhana Size Grading and Commercial Grading System

If you are entering the makhana business, you must understand the makhana grading system before placing any order with a Makhana Supplier. Otherwise, you may purchase the wrong grade and mistakenly blame the supplier for fraud.

How Size Classification Actually Works in the Makhana Business

In the previous chapter, I explained “what suta means in makhana” and “how nut diameter is measured.“
If you are not clear about Suta measurement, read that first:

👉 What Is Suta in Makhana? Size, Grading & Quality Explained for Beginners

Without understanding Suta, you cannot understand the makhana size grading properly.

In this chapter, we move one step ahead.

We will not discuss measurement again.
We will explain how makhana size grading translates into real commercial trade categories.

Because in the makhana business, you do not sell diameter in millimetres.
You sell commercial grades.

Understanding makhana size grading is essential if you want to trade professionally, price correctly and avoid supplier confusion.

1. Why Commercial Grading Exists in Makhana Size Grading System

Raw makhana after popping contains mixed sizes:

• Thurri
• 3 Suta (Murra)
• 4 Suta (Ulwa)
• 5 Suta
• 6 Suta
• 7 Suta
• 8 Suta and above
  

The mass market does not demand a perfectly uniform size.
The mass market demands tradable consistency.

This is where makhana size grading becomes important.

Commercial grading converts mixed-size makhana into tradable bulk categories that can be:

• Resold easily
• Packed into retail pouches
• Used for wholesale supply
• Exported after handpicking

Pure single-size grades like only 4 Suta are not the main bulk trade category.
Mixed retained grades (Plus grades) dominate the real market.

Most of the bulk trade in India runs entirely on makhana size grading and plus-grade classification.

2. Understanding “Plus” Grades in Makhana Size Grading (Core of Commercial Trade)

This is where most beginners get confused.

4 Suta and 4 Suta Plus are not the same.
5 Suta and 5 Suta Plus are not the same.

“Plus” does not mean slightly bigger.

It means:

All material retained above a particular sieve—that is a very important distinction.

3. What is 4 Suta Plus Makhana? How Is It Manufactured?

All mixed-size makhana is passed through a 4 Suta sieve (approx. 12 mm).

• Nuts smaller than 4 Suta fall below the sieve.
• Nuts equal to and larger than 4 Suta remain above.

Everything retained above the sieve becomes:

4 Suta Plus Makhana

So this grade contains:

• 4 Suta
• 5 Suta
• 6 Suta Plus

Typical Mixing Ratio (Indicative, Not Absolute)

In practical trade, 4 Suta Plus often contains:

• 20–30% 4 Suta (12–15 mm)
• 40–60% 5 Suta (15–19 mm)
• 20–30% 6 Suta and above (19 mm+)

These ratios vary depending on the raw lot.

This is a classic example of how makhana size grading creates tradable bulk categories.

Difference Between 4 Suta and 4 Suta Plus

Grade	Size Range	Contains
4 Suta	12–15 mm only	Only 4 Suta
4 Suta Plus	12 mm and above	4, 5, 6+ Suta

In pure 4 Suta:

• You will not find nuts above 15 mm.

In 4 Suta Plus:

• You will find mixed larger sizes.

4. What is 5 Suta Plus Makhana? How Is It Manufactured?

Mixed-size makhana is passed through a 5 Suta sieve (approx. 15 mm).

• Nuts smaller than 5 Suta fall below.
• Nuts equal to and larger than 5 Suta remain above.

Material retained above becomes:

5 Suta Plus Makhana

This grade contains:

• 5 Suta
• 6 Suta Plus

Typical Mixing Ratio (Indicative)

Generally:

• 55–65% –  5 Suta (15–19 mm)
• 35–45% – 6 Suta and above (19 mm+)

Again, ratios depend on the lot.

Difference Between 5 Suta and 5 Suta Plus

Grade	Size Range	Contains
5 Suta	15–19 mm only	Only 5 Suta
5 Suta Plus	15 mm and above	5, 6+ Suta

In 5 Suta Plus:

• You will always find material above 15 mm.
  

Commercial Relevance

5 Suta Plus is considered:

• Higher-value bulk grade
• Preferred in better retail packaging
• Suitable for export-oriented buyers after Handpicking

5. 6 Suta Plus Makhana (Premium Bulk Grade)? How Is It Manufactured?

All mixed makhana is passed through a 6 Suta sieve (approx. 19 mm).

• Nuts smaller than 6 Suta fall below.
• Larger nuts remain above.

Material retained above becomes:

6 Suta Plus Makhana

This grade contains:

• 6 Suta
• 7 Suta
• 8 Suta Plus

Minimum size: approx. 19 mm.

Commercial Relevance

6 Suta Plus:

• Is treated as a premium bulk grade
• Commands higher pricing
• Has lower overall availability
• In market 6 Suta Plus Makhana was sold after handpicking. 

Grade Name	Size
3 Suta Makhana	9-12mm
4 Suta Makhana	12-15mm
4 Suta Plus Makhana	20–30% 4 Suta (12–15 mm) 40–60% 5 Suta (15–19 mm) 20–30% 6 Suta and above (19 mm+)
5 Suta Makhana	15-19mm
5 Suta Plus Makhana	55-65% – 5 Suta (15–19 mm) 35–45% – 6 Suta and above (19 mm+)
6 Suta Plus Makhana	19 mm Plus

Final Understanding

Suta measurement explains size.

Commercial grading explains:

• How size becomes a tradable product
• How market categories are created
• How you price and position your makhana business
  

If you do not understand the difference between:

• 4 Suta
• 4 Suta Plus
• 5 Suta
• 5 Suta Plus

You will:

• Misunderstand supplier quotations
• Misprice your product
• Face avoidable disputes

Grading knowledge is not optional in the makhana business; it is structural.

Connect With Gustosa Foods

For bulk makhana supply, sourcing, or business enquiries, connect with us:

📩 Email: hello@gustosafoods.com
📞 WhatsApp: +91 9205600140
📍Visit Us

Frequently Asked Questions