Conversion calculator

Yarn Count Converter

Convert yarn count between Ne, Nm, tex, dtex, denier, worsted and linen systems in one step, including the resultant count of folded yarns.

Inputs

For folded (plied) yarn made from identical singles. Use 1 for single yarn.

Result

Linear density

19.68tex

Ne
30
Denier
177.2
Nm
50.8
Working
  1. 30 Ne = 19.685 tex
  2. Check: 30 Ne singles
Equivalent counts
SystemValueDefinition
Tex19.68grams per 1,000 meters
Decitex (dtex)196.85grams per 10,000 meters
Denier (den)177.16grams per 9,000 meters
English cotton count (Ne)30number of 840-yard hanks per pound
Metric count (Nm)50.8kilometers per kilogram (meters per gram)
Worsted count (Nw)45number of 560-yard hanks per pound
Linen lea count (Nl)84number of 300-yard leas per pound

Formulas

Conversion through tex
Tex=590.54Ne=1000Nm=Denier9=dtex10\text{Tex} = \dfrac{590.54}{N_e} = \dfrac{1000}{N_m} = \dfrac{\text{Denier}}{9} = \dfrac{\text{dtex}}{10}

Tex = 590.54 / Ne = 1000 / Nm = Denier / 9 = dtex / 10

SymbolMeaningUnit
TexGrams per 1,000 m (direct system)g/km
NeNumber of 840 yd hanks per lb (indirect)-
NmKilometers per kilogram (indirect)km/kg
DenierGrams per 9,000 m (direct)g/9 km
Folded yarn (same singles, ignoring twist contraction)
TR=n×TsNR=NsnT_R = n \times T_s \qquad N_R = \dfrac{N_s}{n}

Resultant tex = plies × singles tex; resultant indirect count = singles count / plies

SymbolMeaningUnit
nNumber of plies-
T_s, N_sSingles count (direct, indirect)-

How it works#

The converter turns the input count into tex (grams per 1,000 meters) and then into every other system. Tex is used as the common base because it is a direct, metric system and it is the unit used in fabric weight formulas. For folded yarns made from identical singles, the resultant tex is the singles tex multiplied by the number of plies.

Worked example#

A knitter wants to compare a 40 denier nylon with a 60s Ne cotton.

  • 40 den = 40 / 9 = 4.44 tex
  • 60 Ne = 590.54 / 60 = 9.84 tex

The nylon is less than half the weight per length of the cotton, which matters when plating the two together.

Interpreting the result#

Counts in different systems describe weight per length only. Two yarns with the same tex can differ in diameter, strength and hairiness because of fiber type, twist and spinning method. Use the count to compare fineness, then check the yarn's other properties before substituting one for another. See yarn count explained for typical counts by fabric.

Assumptions

  • Worsted (Nw) uses 560 yd hanks per lb and linen lea (Nl) uses 300 yd leas per lb.
  • The folded result ignores twist contraction. Real two-fold yarn is slightly heavier than the simple calculation.

Common errors

  • Treating Ne like a direct system: a higher Ne means a finer yarn, a higher tex means a coarser yarn.
  • Writing 2/40s and converting 40 alone. The resultant is roughly Ne 20.
  • Confusing denier of a filament yarn with the denier per filament (dpf).

Questions

What is 30s Ne in denier?

30 Ne is 590.54 / 30 = 19.68 tex, and 19.68 × 9 = 177 denier.

How do I convert a 2/40s yarn?

Enter 40 Ne with 2 plies. The resultant is about 29.5 tex or 20 Ne, before allowing for twist contraction, which makes the real yarn slightly heavier.

Why is a higher Ne a finer yarn?

Ne is an indirect system: it counts how many hanks of fixed length weigh one pound. A finer yarn is lighter, so more hanks fit in a pound.

Related formulas

Guides for this calculation

Fabric & YarnGuide4 min read

Yarn Count Explained: Direct and Indirect Systems

Yarn count tells you how fine or coarse a yarn is. This guide explains direct systems (tex, denier) and indirect systems (Ne, Nm), ply notation, typical counts for common fabrics and how count affects the fabric.

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