Yarn Count Converter

How do you convert yarn count between Ne, Nm, tex and denier?

Every count system converts through tex, the grams-per-1000-metres base unit that the direct systems share. Ne (cotton count) and Nm (metric count) are indirect systems, so tex = 590.5 divided by Ne, or tex = 1000 divided by Nm. Denier and dtex are direct systems, so denier = tex times 9 and dtex = tex times 10. Once you have tex, every other system falls out of the same formula run in reverse, which is what the calculator above does on every keystroke.

What is the difference between indirect and direct count systems?

Indirect systems (Ne cotton count, Nm metric count, Nw worsted count) count the length you get from a fixed weight, so a bigger number means less material per unit length: a finer yarn. Direct systems (tex, dtex, denier) weigh a fixed length, so a bigger number means more material per unit length: a coarser yarn. The two families move in opposite directions, which is the usual point of confusion when a supplier quotes one system and the buyer's specification is in another.

How do you read a plied count like 2/30s or 150D/2?

The number written with the slash is the number of single strands twisted together; the count itself is the single yarn's count before plying. 2/30s means two ends of 30s Ne twisted together, and because Ne is an indirect system, the resultant count is the single count divided by the ply: 30 divided by 2 is 15s resultant, about 39.4 tex. 150D/2 means two ends of 150 denier twisted together, and because denier is a direct system, the resultant count is the single count multiplied by the ply: 150 times 2 is 300 denier. Enter the single count and the ply above and the calculator applies the correct direction automatically.

How many metres of yarn are on a cone?

Multiply the metres-per-kilogram figure for that count by the net yarn weight on the cone. Enter the cone weight in the second card above and it multiplies against whatever count is already converted in the first card. Net weight, not gross cone-plus-tube weight, is what the calculation needs, so weigh an empty tube of the same type first if a supplier only gives the gross weight.

Which cotton counts are used for which knit fabrics?

Trade practice commonly quotes 20s to 24s Ne for heavier fleece and pique, 30s to 34s Ne for standard single jersey T-shirts, and 40s Ne for fine, lightweight jersey. These ranges vary by mill and by the specific yarn's twist and fibre quality, so confirm the count with your knitter before committing a specification to it.