Yarn Count Calculator

Four Numbering Systems, One Underlying Measurement

Yarn thickness is described differently depending on which corner of the textile industry you're in — a technical fabric spec might use Tex, a European knitting mill might use Nm, and a cotton spinner in the US or UK is more likely to quote Ne. All four systems describe the same physical property, the ratio of weight to length, just expressed in different units and, confusingly, running in opposite directions: some get bigger numbers for thicker yarn, others get smaller ones.

The Formulas

Tex and Denier are "direct" systems — a bigger number means a thicker yarn, since both scale weight per fixed length. Nm and Ne are "indirect" systems — a bigger number means a finer (thinner) yarn, since both scale length per fixed weight.

Where This Matters

• Sourcing yarn across regions — a supplier quoting Ne 30 and another quoting Tex 20 need converting to the same system before they can be compared directly.
• Matching yarn to a knitting or weaving spec — machine settings and fabric specifications are often written in one specific numbering system, regardless of how the yarn was purchased.
• Quality control — verifying that a delivered yarn's actual weight-to-length ratio matches its stated count catches mislabeled or inconsistent batches.

Worked Example

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the Weight of the yarn sample in grams.
2. Enter the Length of that same sample in meters.
3. Select Calculate to see the yarn count in Tex, Denier, Nm, and Ne simultaneously.

Related Calculations

For filament yarns specifically, see the Denier Calculator, or convert a woven fabric's areal weight with the GSM Calculator.