Tools · Calculators
A free converter for Denier, Tex, Ne, Nm and 10 more textile yarn-count systems — with a plain-language guide to each. Use it to spec the right yarn for your fabric or to compare quotations from suppliers using different systems.
Yarn count converter
Please enter a count value greater than 0.
Reference
Yarn count measures fineness or coarseness — a critical spec for textile production. Here is a plain-language guide to the systems supported by the converter above.
Grams per 9,000 m
Denier quantifies yarn thickness by weighing 9,000 metres of yarn in grams. A higher denier means a coarser yarn — think of our heavier carpet yarns versus the finer constructions used for curtains. Originating from the medieval silk trade, Denier remains a go-to metric for synthetic and fancy yarns.
Formula: Denier = 9 × Tex
Grams per 1,000 m
Tex measures the weight (in grams) of 1,000 metres of yarn. As an ISO standard, Tex bridges traditional and modern systems and serves as the most convenient universal intermediate when converting between any two yarn-count systems.
Formula: Tex = Denier ÷ 9
Grams per 10,000 m
Decitex (Dtex) is Tex × 10 — chosen for microfibre precision where 1 Tex would be too coarse a unit. Common in technical textiles, sewing threads, and microfibre yarns.
Formula: Dtex = Tex × 10
Number of 840-yard hanks per pound
Ne (Number English) counts how many 840-yard hanks make one pound. A higher Ne means finer yarn — 20 Ne is finer than 10 Ne. Born in England's cotton mills, Ne remains a global standard for natural fibres and cotton blends.
Formula: Ne ≈ 590.5 ÷ Tex
Shorthand for Ne
"Single" notation (e.g. 10S, 20S) is shorthand for Ne, popular in cotton trading. A 10S yarn is coarser; 20S is finer. Plied yarns are written like 2/12 — meaning two plies of 12 Ne, with effective count = single ÷ plies.
Formula: Effective count = Single count ÷ Plies
Kilometres per kilogram
Nm measures how many 1,000-metre lengths weigh one kilogram. A higher Nm indicates finer yarn. Its metric simplicity makes Nm a favourite for international collaboration.
Formula: Nm = 1,000 ÷ Tex = 9,000 ÷ Denier
Number of 560-yard hanks per pound
The Worsted count system is used primarily for wool yarns. A 560-yard hank is the unit; higher NeW means finer yarn.
Formula: NeW ≈ 885.8 ÷ Tex
Number of 300-yard leas per pound
The traditional linen count, born from the Irish linen trade. NeL counts 300-yard leas per pound. Plied notation (e.g. 2/12) means 2 plies of 12 NeL — effective count = 12 ÷ 2 = 6 NeL for the resulting yarn.
Formula: NeL ≈ 1,653.5 ÷ Tex
Number of 840-yard skeins per pound
The silk count uses the same 840-yard hank as cotton Ne, applied to silk's exceptional finesse. Higher NeS denotes finer silk yarn.
Formula: NeS ≈ 590.5 ÷ Tex
Pounds per 1,000 yards
A niche industrial measure expressing weight per length in imperial units. Mostly seen in heavy industrial yarns where pounds-per-thousand-yards is the practical reading.
Formula: Ttex ≈ Tex ÷ 496
Grains per yard
An ancient method of expressing yarn weight in grains per yard of length. Rarely used today but still encountered in archival textile data.
Formula: Grain/Yard ≈ Tex ÷ 70.87
Adapted from Ne for Indian mills
NeC follows the same 840-yard-per-pound logic as English Ne but is the convention quoted by most Indian cotton mills. NeK is the traditional count for handspun Khadi yarns and shares the same formula.
Formula: NeC ≈ NeK ≈ 590.5 ÷ Tex
Grams per square metre
GSM is not a yarn count but a fabric weight unit. The converter above gives a rough weft-yarn-only estimate based on yarn Tex × picks-per-inch — useful as a sanity check, not a substitute for actual fabric measurement, since real GSM depends on warp count, weave structure, and finishing.
Approx: GSM ≈ Tex × picks-per-inch × 39.37 ÷ 1000
Note from MCT
Most fancy yarns from our catalogue are quoted in Denier and Nm. Our sales team is happy to convert into the system your fabric specification uses — just ask, or use the converter above for a quick check.
MCT-XXXX added
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