Yarn Count Conversion Chart: Understanding, Tools, and PDFs

In the textile industry, yarn count plays a critical role in defining the thickness, fineness, and quality of yarn. However, due to the use of various count systems across countries and fiber types—like cotton, wool, and synthetic—it becomes necessary to use a yarn count conversion chart to switch between systems such as Ne, Nm, Tex, Denier, and more.

What Is a Yarn Count?

Yarn count refers to the numerical expression that indicates the fineness or coarseness of the yarn. Different systems exist:

Ne (English Cotton Count): Commonly used for cotton yarns.
Nm (Metric Count): Used for wool and synthetics.
Tex and Denier: Used mainly for filament yarns.

Why Is Yarn Count Conversion Important?

Manufacturers, exporters, designers, and weavers often deal with different yarn systems depending on client specifications, fabric type, or machinery compatibility. This is where a yarn count conversion chart becomes indispensable.

Yarn Count Conversion Formula

Converting between yarn counts is done using specific mathematical formulas. Here are a few common examples:

Ne to Nm:
Nm=Ne×1.693Nm = Ne × 1.693Nm=Ne×1.693
Ne to Denier:
Denier=5315÷NeDenier = 5315 ÷ NeDenier=5315÷Ne
1 Denier =
5315÷Ne5315 ÷ Ne5315÷Ne
This is a widely used “1 denier = count formula” to estimate the equivalent cotton count.

Using the correct yarn count conversion formula ensures precision in fabric specifications, improving production efficiency and meeting buyer requirements.

Yarn Count Conversion Calculator

If you’re looking for a more interactive tool, a yarn count conversion calculator can be very helpful. These online tools allow users to input values in one system (e.g., Nm) and instantly convert it to another (e.g., Ne or Denier). Some advanced calculators also support batch conversions, helping textile mills and labs save time.

Convert Yarn Count (Nm to Ne)

To convert yarn count from Nm to Ne, use the formula:
$N e = N m \div 1.693$

For example, if a wool yarn has a count of 50 Nm, its approximate cotton count would be:
$N e = 50 \div 1.693 \approx 29.5$

This type of conversion is often essential in blending different fiber types or comparing yarns from different suppliers.

English Cotton Count (Ne)	Metric Count (Nm)	Tex	Denier
10	16.9	59.05	531
20	33.9	29.53	266
30	50.8	19.68	177
40	67.8	14.77	133
50	84.7	11.81	106
60	101.6	9.84	88

Note: These values are approximate and based on standard conversion formulas. Variations may occur depending on fiber type and blend.

Cotton Yarn Count Conversion Chart

A cotton yarn count conversion chart specifically helps in converting Ne to other count systems and vice versa. Cotton is one of the most widely used fibers, and accurate count conversions are vital for spinning mills, quality control labs, and fabric designers.

If you’re working offline or need a printable format, downloading a yarn count conversion table PDF is a practical option. These tables list commonly used yarn counts across different systems in an easy-to-read grid, often categorized by fiber type.

What is ne and nm in yarn count?

Ne (English Cotton Count) and Nm (Metric Count) are systems used to express yarn fineness or thickness.

Ne (Number English) refers to the number of 840-yard lengths of yarn per pound. A higher Ne indicates finer yarn. For example, Ne 40 is finer than Ne 20.

Nm (Number Metric) represents the number of meters of yarn per gram. It also indicates fineness—higher Nm means finer yarn. For instance, Nm 100 is finer than Nm 50.

Both are indirect count systems, meaning the number increases as the yarn gets finer. They are commonly used in spinning and fabric specification worldwide.

How to calculate count of yarn?

Yarn count is calculated based on its length and weight. In the English (Ne) system:
Ne = (Length in yards) / (840 × Weight in pounds).

In the Metric (Nm) system:
Nm = Length in meters / Weight in grams.

Higher count means finer yarn.

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What is nm in yarn?

Nm (Number Metric) is a yarn count system indicating how many meters of yarn weigh one gram. It’s an indirect count system—higher Nm means finer yarn. For example, Nm 40 means 40 meters of yarn weighs 1 gram. It’s commonly used in Europe for spun and filament yarns.

What is 2 28 nm yarn count?

2/28 Nm yarn means it is a 2-ply yarn made by twisting two single yarns of 28 Nm each. The final yarn count remains Nm 14 (since 28 ÷ 2 = 14). This indicates that 14 meters of the 2-ply yarn weigh 1 gram. It's a moderately fine yarn.

Meena Ansari

Author | Web | + posts

Meena Ansari is the co-founder and business partner at M/s Tex Aux Chemicals. A passionate writer at heart, she brings a deep curiosity and love for learning to every aspect of the textile industry. With a keen interest in exploring innovations and sharing insights, Meena combines her entrepreneurial experience with a flair for storytelling to educate and inspire readers across the textile community.