How is yarn count calculated

We can say that the yarn count number indicates the length of yarn in relation to the weight. To express the different thicknesses of yarns it is convenient to use a number in the Textile Industry which is known as the “Count” of yarn or thread.Count is the numerical expression which expresses coarseness or fineness of yarn. It means that, the yarn count refers how much a yarn is fine or course. 

The various systems of numbering yarns may be broadly divided into two systems:-

1. Direct system
2. Indirect system 

1. Direct System
In this process the count is based on the number of weight units in a length unit. Thus, the size or bulkiness of the yarn is directly proportional to the count number. The system is used for Denier count, hemp & jute counts, Grex count. Tex count, Etc… A coarser yarn will have a higher count number while a finer yarn will have a lower count number.

Name of System	Definition
Tex Count	Weight in gms. Per 1000 meter.
Denier Count	Weight in gms. Per 9000 mtr.

Tex
It means that, for example, if there is a 1000 meter of yarn and have a weight of 30 gm then the yarn count will be 30 tex.

Denier
It means that, for example, if there is a 9000 meter of yarn and have a weight of 50 gm then the yarn count will be 50 tex.

(Denier = 9 * Tex)

1. Indirect System
The count is based on the number of length units in one weight unit. The higher the count finer is the yarn.

This is also having some sub-system as following;

• English Cotton system (Ne) : The count of cotton yarn is the number of hanks, each of 840 yards in 1 lb. ( 1 lb. weight is considered as a fixed weight).
• Metric count System (Nm) : The metric count of yarn is the no. of hanks, each of 1 km. which 1 kg.
• Worsted Count : It is the number of hanks of 560 yds presented in 1 lb weight of yarn is known as worsted count which is widely used for yarn composed by wool.

Name of System	Definition
English Cotton Count	No. of 840yards hank per pound(lbs.)

Linear Yarn Count Systems measurement:

1 Inch =25.4 mm	1 feet = 12 Inch
1 Inch = 2.54 cm	1 Inch = 0.0833 feet
1 mm =0.03937 Inch	1 feet = 0.3048 meter
1 cm = 10 mm	1 yard =36 Inch
10 cm =3.94 Inch = 1 Decimeter	1 meter=39.37 Inch
1 cm = 0.3937 cm	1 meter =1.0936 yard
1 yard =0.9144 meter	1 yard =3 feet
1000 meter = 1 km	1 km = 0.6214 mile

Weighs:

1 kg. = 1000 gm	1 milligram = 0.015 grains
1 gm. = 1000 milligram	1 centigram = 10 mg.
1 kg. = 2.205 pounds(lbs.)	1 lbs. = 453.6gms.
1 lbs. = 0.4536 kg	1 lbs. = 7000 grains.
1 lbs. = 453.6 gm	1 ounce(oz) = 28.35 gms.
1 grains =0.065 gms.	1 dram = 1.772 gms
1 metric ton = 1000 kgs	1 metric ton = 0.984 ton

You can also read :

What is fully drawn yarn (FDY)?