Fabric formula

Yarn count conversion formula

Converts yarn count between the direct systems (tex, dtex, denier) and the indirect systems (Ne, Nm) through tex.

Formula

\text{Tex} = \dfrac{590.54}{N_e} = \dfrac{1000}{N_m} = \dfrac{\text{den}}{9} = \dfrac{\text{dtex}}{10}

Symbol	Meaning	Unit
Tex	Grams per 1,000 meters	g/km
Ne	English cotton count (840 yd hanks per lb)	-
Nm	Metric count (km per kg)	-
den	Denier (grams per 9,000 m)	-
dtex	Decitex (grams per 10,000 m)	-

When to use it

Use it whenever yarns from different spinning traditions are compared, for example cotton in Ne against polyester filament in denier, or when construction formulas need tex.

Worked example#

Convert 30 Ne cotton to tex and denier.

Tex = 590.54 / 30 = 19.68 tex
Denier = 19.68 × 9 = 177 den

Convert 150 denier polyester to Ne.

Tex = 150 / 9 = 16.67
Ne = 590.54 / 16.67 = 35.4 Ne

Where this formula is explained

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.

Fabric & YarnHow-to3 min read

Yarn Count Conversion: Ne, Nm, Tex and Denier with Worked Examples

Step-by-step yarn count conversion between Ne, Nm, tex, dtex and denier, including worsted and linen counts, folded yarns and blended yarn resultant counts.