Nominal Filter Size vs Actual Filter Size
The nominal filter size is the size you see printed on the side of your air filter. This is typically the easiest way to find the size of your current air filter.
The actual filter size is what its exact measurements are. You would use a tape measure to find this.
For example: if the Nominal Size is listed as 20" x 20" x 1", the Actual Size (exact dimensions) of the air filter is 19 1/2" x 19 1/2" x 3/4 inch.