From the properties of phi, it can easily be seen that the most efficient sieve smaller than x is the one where and .

Place brown sugar in small sieve, and press through to cover sour cream in a light, even layer.

A small sieve such as used for sifting flour has very small holes.

Put the cocoa in a small sieve and dust the top of the dessert evenly.

Hold a small sieve over the cake and spoon the cocoa into it.

Place two tablespoons of icing sugar into a small sieve and use to lightly dust your work surface.

Place the black beans in a small sieve and rinse well under cold running water.

Fill a small sieve with the brown sugar.

Strain through a small sieve into a warmed jug.

Tea strainers or a similar small sieve may also used by patients trying to pass a kidney stone.