© Md Samiul Alom,

Textile Science: Fiber-

Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

Chapter 8

Yarn Count

Yarn Count is an integral part of the Textile industry. The spinning mills or weaving mills cannot
run without this term. Because product costing fully depends on it. So, it is the most important
term in the Textile sector. In this article we will learn the details about it.

8.1 Yarn Count

The yarn count is a numerical expression which defines its fineness or coarseness. It also expresses
weather the yarn is thick or thin. A definition is given by the textile institute – “Count is a number
which indicates the mass per unit length or the length per unit mass of yarn.”

8.2 Types of Yarn Count

- Indirect system- English, Metric, Worsted.
- Direct system- Tex, Denier, Lbs/Spindle.

8.3 Indirect Count

The count of yarn expresses the number of length units in one weight unit. Thus, higher the count,
finer the yarn. The system is generally used for cotton, worsted, linen (wet spun), etc.
wxL
Indirect count: N= …………
WXl

Where, W = The weight of the sample.

w = The unit weight of the system.
L = The length of the sample.
l = The unit length of the sample.

This is only for the student of ISTT

1|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

Some of the most commonly used indirect systems include:

1. English cotton count (Ne) system
2. Metric count (Nm) system
3. Worsted count (NeK) system
4. Woollen count system.

8.3.1 English cotton count (Ne):

In this system, yarn count is defined as the number of hanks of 840 yards per pound.
For example, yarn count 30 Ne means that there are 30 hanks (each hank consisting of 840 yards
of yarn) per 1 lb. or 1 pound of that yarn (length per mass). In other words, if a yarn has a count
of 30 Ne, it means that 30 hanks (of 840 yards) of that yarn will weigh 1 pound.
If (30×840) or, 25200 yards of a yarn weigh 1 pound then the yarn count will be 30 Ne
Ne count is also expressed with ’s. (e.g. 50’s cotton yarn)

8.3.2 Metric Cotton Count (Nm):

In Metric cotton count system, yarn count is defined as the number of hanks of 1000 m per 1
kilogram of that yarn.
For example, yarn count 30 Nm means that there are 30 hanks of 1000 m per 1 kilogram (kg) of
that yarn. In other words, yarn count 30 Nm means 30 hanks (each hank consisting of 1000m) of
that yarn will weigh 1 kg.

8.3.3 Worsted Count (NeK):

It is defined as the number of hanks of 560 yards per 1 pound of that yarn.
For example, yarn count 30 NeK means that there are 30 hanks of 560 yards per one pound (1 lb)
of that yarn. In other words, yarn count 30 NeK means 30 hanks (each hank consisting of 560
yards) of that yarn will weigh 1lb.

This is only for the student of ISTT

2|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

8.3.4 Woollen Count:

In this system, yarn count is defined as the number of hanks of 256 yards per pound.
For example, woollen yarn count 30 means that there are 30 hanks (of 256 yards) per 1 lb or 1
pound of that yarn. In other words, yarn count 30 Ne means 30 hanks (each hank consisting of 256
yards) of that yarn will weigh 1 pound.

These indirect yarn count systems can be expressed briefly in the chart below:
COUNT SYSTEM NAME UNIT OF LENGTH UNIT OF MASS
English Cotton Count (Ne) 840 yards 1 pound / 1 lb
Metric Count (Nm) 1000 m / 1 km 1 kg
Worsted Count (NeK) 560 yards 1 lb
Woolen Count 256 yards 1 lb

In Shorts:

English system: It is defined as the number of hanks (840 yds) per pound. count.

Length (yds) 1 pound

English count N =………………… X …………………....
840 yds Weight (Pound)

Metric system: It is defined as the number of hanks (1000m) per kg.

Length (m) 1 kg
Metric count =……………X ………………...........
1000m Weight (kg)

Worsted system: It is defined as the number of hanks (540yds) per pound.

Length (yds) 1 Pound

Worsted count =………………X ………………….....
560 (yds) Weight (Pound)

This is only for the student of ISTT

3|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

8.4 Direct Count

The count of yarn expresses the no. of weight units in one length unit. Thus, higher the count,
coarser the yarn. The system is generally used for synthetic fiber, jute, silk, etc.

WXl
Direct count: N = …………
wXL
Where,
N = The yarn number or, count.
W = The weight of the sample.
w = The unit weight of the sample.
L = The length of the sample.
l = The unit length of the sample.

Some of the most commonly used direct systems include : Tex, Denier, Pounds per Spyndle,
DeciTex (dtex) MilliTex (mtex) KilloTex (ktex)

8.4.1 Tex:
The yarn number or count in Tex system is the weight in grams of 1000 m of yarn. Ir is also called
Lea Count.
For example, yarn count 30 Tex means that there are 30 grams of yarn per 1000 m or 1 km of that
yarn (mass per length). In other words, yarn count 30 Tex means 1000 m of that yarn will weigh
30 gm.

8.4.2 Denier:
The yarn number or count in Denier system is the weight in grams of 9000 m of yarn.
For example, yarn count 30 Denier means that there are 30 grams of yarn per 9000 m or 9 km of
that yarn. In other words, yarn count 30 Denier means that 9000 m of that yarn will weigh 30 gm.

This is only for the student of ISTT

4|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

8.4.3 Pound per Spyndle / Jute count:

The yarn number or count in Pound per Spyndle system is the weight in pounds of 14,400 yards
of yarn.
For example, yarn count 20 Pound per Spyndle means that there are 20 lbs of yarn per 14400 m
yards of that yarn. In other words, yarn count 20 Pounds per Spyndle means that 14400 m of that
yarn will weigh 20 lbs.

8.4.4 deciTex (dTex):

The yarn number or count in deciTex system is the weight in grams of 10,000 m of yarn.
For example, yarn count 30 deciTex means that there are 30 grams of yarn per 10,000 m or 10 km
of that yarn (mass per length). In other words, yarn count 30 dTex means 10,000 m of that yarn
will weigh 30 gm.

8.4.5 miliTex (mTex):

The yarn number or count in miliTex system is the weight in milligrams of 1000 m of yarn.
For example, yarn count 30 miliTex means that there are 30 milligrams of yarn per 1000 m or 1
km of that yarn. In other words, yarn count 30 mTex means that 1000 m of that yarn will weigh
30 milligrams.

8.4.6 kiloTex (kTex):

The yarn number or count in kiloTex system is the weight in kilograms of 1000 m of yarn.
For example, yarn count 30 kiloTex means that there are 30 kilograms of yarn per 1000 m or 1 km
of that yarn. In other words, yarn count 30 kTex means 1000 m of that yarn will weigh 30
kilograms.

This is only for the student of ISTT

5|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

These direct yarn count systems can be expressed briefly in the chart below:
COUNT SYSTEM NAME UNIT OF LENGTH UNIT OF MASS
Tex 1000 m No. of grams
Denier 9000 m No. of grams
Pounds per Spyndle (Jute, Hemp) 14,400 yards No. of lbs
DeciTex (dTex) 10,000 m / 10 km No. of grams
miliTex (mTex) 1000 m No. of miligrams
KiloTex (kTex) 1000 m No. of kilograms

In Shorts:
Tex system or Lea count: It is defined as the weight in grams of 1000 m.
Weight (gm) 1000m
Tex count =……………X …………….......
1 gm Length (m)

Denier: The number or, count in the denier system is the weight in grams of 9000 m.
Weight (gm) 9000m
Denier count =……………X…………..........
1 gm Length

Pounds per spindle (Jute system): Count in the pound per spindle system is the weight in pounds
of 14400 yards of yarn.
Weight (Pound) 14400 (yds)
Pound per spindle =………………….. X……………........
1 Pound Length (yds)

This is only for the student of ISTT

6|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

8.5 Count Conversion:

8.5.1 The relation between New English count (Ne) and denier:
Suppose the new English count of yarn is C and denier is D.
As per the definition of new English count

8.5.2 The relation between new English count and tex

Suppose that Ne of yarn = C, and tex = T. As per the definition of new English count

This is only for the student of ISTT

7|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

8.5.3 The relation between tex and denier

Suppose that the tex of yarn is T, and denier is D

8.5.4 The relation between Ne and Nm

Suppose new English count = Ne, and new metric count = Nm

This is only for the student of ISTT

8|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

8.5.5 The relation between new English count and worsted count:

Suppose that the new English count = Ne, and the worsted count of yarn is Cwst.

8.5.6 The Relationship between English count and Woolen Count:

Suppose that the new English count of yarn is Ne and woollen count ( YSW) is WYSW

According to the definition of new English count

The length of 1 pound of yarn = Ne x 840 yards
As per the definition of woollen count ( ysw), the number of hanks of 256 yards in a pound is
called woollen count(ysw)

This is only for the student of ISTT

9|Page
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

8.5.7 Relation between New English count( Ne) and jute count ( lbs.) :

This is only for the student of ISTT

10 | P a g e
© Md Samiul Alom,
Textile Science: Fiber-
Lecturer & Course Coordinator, Yarn-Fabric
Dept. of Textile & Fashion Management, ISTT
Chapter 8: Yarn Count

B. Sc in textile Engineering (Specialization in Wet Processing), NITER

Email: [Link]@[Link], samiul_dtfm@[Link]

8.6 YARN COUNT CONVERSION TABLE:

8.7 TABLE OF YARN COUNT CALCULATION FORMULA

This is only for the student of ISTT

11 | P a g e