Yarn count is the numerical expression of yarn thickness (or fineness). Different systems are used in different parts of the world and for different fibre types, which often leads to confusion in international trade.
The Two Approaches
All yarn count systems fall into one of two categories:
Direct Systems (Higher number = Thicker yarn)
- Tex: Weight in grams of 1,000 metres of yarn. Universal SI unit.
- Denier: Weight in grams of 9,000 metres of yarn. Standard for silk, synthetic filaments.
Indirect Systems (Higher number = Thinner yarn)
- Ne (English Cotton Count): Number of 840-yard hanks per pound. Most common in India for cotton.
- Nm (Metric Count): Number of 1,000-metre hanks per kilogram. Common in Europe.
- Le (Linen/Lea): Number of 300-yard leas per pound. Used for linen.
Conversion Formulas
| From | To Tex | From Tex |
|---|---|---|
| Ne | Tex = 590.5 / Ne | Ne = 590.5 / Tex |
| Denier | Tex = Denier / 9 | Denier = Tex × 9 |
| Nm | Tex = 1000 / Nm | Nm = 1000 / Tex |
| Le | Tex = 1653.5 / Le | Le = 1653.5 / Tex |
Quick Examples
- 30 Ne cotton: ≈ 19.7 Tex ≈ 177.1 Denier → Medium thickness, suitable for shirts
- 60 Ne cotton: ≈ 9.8 Tex ≈ 88.6 Denier → Fine yarn, suitable for premium shirting
- 150 Denier polyester: ≈ 16.7 Tex ≈ 35.4 Ne → Medium filament yarn
Convert Instantly
Use our free textile calculator with built-in unit conversion. Switch between Ne, Denier, Tex, Nm, and Le with a single click.