🧵 Yarn Count Converter
| Count Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Ne (English Cotton) | |
| Nm (Metric Count) | |
| Tex | |
| Denier |
Enter a value in any one field to auto-convert the others.
🧵 Yarn Count Systems in Textiles: Introduction & Conversion Formulas
🔹 What is Yarn Count?
Yarn count is a numerical expression that defines the thickness or fineness of a yarn. It indicates either the length per unit weight or weight per unit length depending on the system being used. There are two main systems:
- Indirect System: Higher the count, finer the yarn (e.g., Ne, Nm, NeL, etc.).
- Direct System: Higher the count, coarser the yarn (e.g., Tex, Denier, Decitex).
📘 Common Yarn Count Systems
| Count System | Full Name | Type | Formula Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ne | English Cotton Count | Indirect | No. of 840-yard hanks per pound |
| Nm | Metric Count | Indirect | No. of meters per gram |
| NeW | Worsted Count | Indirect | No. of 560-yard hanks per pound |
| Tex | Tex System | Direct | Grams per 1,000 meters |
| Den | Denier | Direct | Grams per 9,000 meters |
| Dtex | Decitex | Direct | Grams per 10,000 meters |
| Lea | Linen Count | Indirect | No. of 300-yard hanks per pound |
🔄 Yarn Count Conversion Formulas
🔹 Basic Conversions
📊 Quick Reference Conversion Table (Approximate)
| Ne | Nm | Tex | Denier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 17 | 59 | 530 |
| 20 | 34 | 29 | 260 |
| 30 | 51 | 20 | 177 |
| 40 | 68 | 15 | 132 |
| 50 | 85 | 12 | 106 |
💡 Note:
- Always check the fiber type (cotton, polyester, wool, etc.) and yarn construction (single, doubled, twisted) when converting.
- For doubled yarns (e.g., Ne 20/2), conversions are typically done on the single count, and final weight is adjusted based on ply.
🧵 Understanding Yarn Count Systems and Their Conversions: A Complete Guide
In the textile industry, understanding yarn count systems is essential for fabric manufacturing, trade, and quality assurance. Whether you’re a buyer, supplier, or textile engineer, knowing how to interpret and convert yarn counts ensures proper material selection and smoother global communication.
This blog will walk you through the types of yarn counts, explain why conversions are important, and provide a detailed guide to each major system used worldwide.
🔍 Why Are Yarn Count Conversions Important?
Textile is a global industry, and yarns are produced and traded across different countries using different systems. For instance, while Ne (English Cotton Count) is widely used in Pakistan and India, Nm (Metric Count) is popular in Europe, and Tex/Denier systems are common in synthetic and filament yarns globally.
Without proper conversion:
- Orders may be misinterpreted.
- Fabric weights may vary.
- Production planning can go wrong.
- Yarn costs may be inaccurately calculated.
Hence, yarn count conversion tools play a vital role in ensuring standardization and clarity.
🧵 What Is Yarn Count?
Yarn count refers to the fineness or coarseness of yarn and is a numerical representation of weight per unit length or length per unit weight, depending on the system used.
Yarn count systems are classified into:
- Indirect Systems: Higher number = Finer yarn.
- Direct Systems: Higher number = Coarser yarn.
📘 Major Yarn Count Systems Explained
1. Ne (English Cotton Count) – Indirect System
- Used in: Cotton spinning (South Asia, UK)
- Definition: Number of 840-yard hanks per pound
- Example: Ne 20 = 20 hanks (840 yards each) per pound
2. Nm (Metric Count) – Indirect System
- Used in: Europe, general wool & synthetic yarns
- Definition: Number of meters per gram
- Example: Nm 40 = 40 meters per gram
3. NeW (Worsted Count) – Indirect System
- Used in: Wool industry (especially worsted)
- Definition: Number of 560-yard hanks per pound
4. Tex – Direct System
- Used in: ISO standard, filament yarns
- Definition: Weight in grams of 1000 meters of yarn
- Example: Tex 20 = 20 grams per 1000 meters
5. Denier – Direct System
- Used in: Synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon)
- Definition: Weight in grams of 9000 meters
- Example: 75D = 75 grams per 9000 meters
6. Dtex (Decitex) – Direct System
- Used in: High-precision filament yarns
- Definition: Weight in grams per 10,000 meters
7. Lea (Linen Count) – Indirect System
- Used in: Linen and flax yarns
- Definition: Number of 300-yard hanks per pound
🔄 Yarn Count Conversion Formulas
| From → To | Formula |
|---|---|
| Ne to Nm | Nm = Ne × 1.693 |
| Nm to Ne | Ne = Nm ÷ 1.693 |
| Ne to Tex | Tex = 590.5 ÷ Ne |
| Tex to Ne | Ne = 590.5 ÷ Tex |
| Nm to Tex | Tex = 1000 ÷ Nm |
| Tex to Nm | Nm = 1000 ÷ Tex |
| Denier to Tex | Tex = Denier ÷ 9 |
| Tex to Denier | Denier = Tex × 9 |
| Dtex to Tex | Tex = Dtex ÷ 10 |
✳️ Tip: Use a yarn count converter tool on your website to instantly calculate these values.
📈 Real-World Example
Imagine you’re importing yarn from Europe to Pakistan. The supplier offers Nm 34, but your buyer needs Ne count. With the formula: Ne=Nm÷1.693=34÷1.693≈20.08Ne = Nm ÷ 1.693 = 34 ÷ 1.693 ≈ 20.08
You now know it’s roughly Ne 20, which aligns with your buyer’s needs. A simple conversion can prevent costly mistakes.
🛠️ How to Use This in Your Business
- ✅ Match yarn specifications during import/export
- ✅ Communicate effectively with global suppliers
- ✅ Calculate yarn requirement based on GSM and width
- ✅ Ensure compatibility with knitting/weaving machines
🌍 Final Thoughts
As globalization continues to influence textile sourcing and manufacturing, understanding yarn count systems and conversions is no longer optional — it’s essential. By mastering these basics and implementing handy tools like online converters, you can enhance accuracy, improve collaboration, and streamline operations across the textile value chain.
🔧 Need a Free Yarn Count Converter?
We’ve built a free online Yarn Count Converter right on our website — just input any one value (Ne, Nm, Tex, Denier), and it will instantly convert the others.