1 | P a g e

Yarn count/Yarn number/Linear density

Yarn count:Count is a numerical expression which defines its fineness or coarseness.Definition (given by Textile Institute):

“Count: A number indicating mass per unit length or length per unit mass of yarn.”

Yarn numbering/counting systems:There are two basic systems of yarn numbering:

1. Direct system (mass per unit length)2. Indirect system (length per unit mass)

1.Direct system:

In a direct yarn counting system count is the weight of a unit length of yarn.

Let,

N= Yarn number or countW= Weight of sampleL= Length of the samplel= unit of length of the system

Then,N = W x l LExample of direct systems: Tex, millitex, kilotex, Denier, Jute etcTex: It is defined as the weight in grams per km of yarn.Millitex: It is defined as the weight in milligrams per km of yarn.Kilotex: It is defined as the weight in kilograms per km of yarn.10 tex: It is defined as 10 gm of weight per km of yarn.

2 | P a g e

110 denier: It is defined as 110 gm of weight per 9 km of yarn.

2. Indirect system:

In an indirect yarn counting system count is the length per unit of weight of yarn.

Let,

N= Yarn number or countW= Weight of sampleL= Length of the samplel= unit of length of the systemw= unit of weight of the system

Then,

N = L x w lx WExample of indirect systems: Cotton (Ne), Metric (Nm), Worsted etc

Cotton count(Ne): It is defined as the length in hank of 840 yds per pound of yarn.30 Ne: It is defined as the 30 hank (840x30 yds) of length per pound of yarn.

Table -1: Unit of Length & Weight(mass) in Direct Counting System

Name of the System Unit of mass Unit of length

Tex gm km

Denier gm 9km

3 | P a g e

Jute Pound(lb) 14,400 yards (spyndle)

Table -2: Unit of Length & Weight(mass) in Indirect Counting System:

Name of the System Unit of Length Unit of mass

Cotton (British or English)

840 yards(hank) Pound(lb)

Metric km kg

Worsted 560 yards (hank) Pound (lb)

Name of system Weight unit Length UnitA. Indirect system Cotton-English 1Ib Hank of 840 Yds Cotton-French ½ Kg Hank of 1000 mtrs Cotton-Metric 1 Kg Hank of 1000 mtrs Spun Silk 1 Ib Hank of 840 Yds Linen 1 Ib Les of 300 yds Worsted 1 Ib Hank of 560 Yds Woollen 1 Ib Cut of 300 Yds

B. Direct SystemSilk, Nylon 0.05 gm 450 Mtrs Jute, Hemp 1 Ib 14,400 yds

4 | P a g e

Tex 1 gm 1000 metersDenier 1 gm 9000 meters