Denier / Tex / Dtex Yarn Count Converter
Move a yarn specification between the direct systems (denier, tex, dtex) and read the equivalent metric and cotton counts — so a filament spec and a spun-yarn spec finally speak the same language.
Equivalent yarn counts
Direct and indirect counts
Two families of numbers describe yarn thickness. Direct counts — denier, tex, dtex — fix the length and weigh the yarn, so the number rises with thickness. Indirectcounts — metric (Nm) and English cotton (Ne) — fix the weight and measure the length, so the number rises as the yarn gets finer. Mixing the two up is one of the most common sourcing errors, because a “30” means very different things in each.
Everything here routes through tex, the SI-based count, so denier, dtex, Nm, and Ne stay perfectly consistent. That lets you compare a 167 dtex polyester filament against a Ne 30 cotton spun yarn on one screen instead of juggling three conversion tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is yarn count?
Yarn count is a number that describes how fine or coarse a yarn is. Direct systems measure mass for a fixed length — denier and tex — so a bigger number means a thicker yarn. Indirect systems measure length for a fixed mass — cotton count (Ne) and metric count (Nm) — so a bigger number means a finer yarn.
How are denier, tex, and dtex related?
They all measure grams per a fixed length. Tex is grams per 1,000 m, denier is grams per 9,000 m, and dtex is grams per 10,000 m. So tex = denier ÷ 9, dtex = tex × 10, and denier = tex × 9. A 150 denier yarn is about 16.7 tex or 167 dtex.
What is the difference between tex and dtex?
Dtex (decitex) is simply tex measured over ten times the length, so 1 tex = 10 dtex. Dtex is common in filament and fibre specifications because it gives a larger, more convenient whole number for fine filaments.
How do you get cotton count (Ne) from tex?
Cotton count is an indirect, length-per-mass system: one hank of 840 yards per pound. It relates to tex by Ne ≈ 590.5 ÷ tex, so a 20 tex yarn is roughly Ne 29.5. Because it is indirect, a higher Ne means a finer yarn — the opposite of denier and tex.
Can I get the count from a weighed sample?
Yes. If you weigh a known length of yarn, tex equals grams divided by metres, times 1,000. For example, 1 gram of yarn measuring 50 metres is (1 ÷ 50) × 1,000 = 20 tex, which this tool will then express in denier, dtex, Nm, and Ne.
Educational reference only. The cotton-count relationship (Ne ≈ 590.5 ÷ tex) is a standard approximation; precise mill figures depend on the yarn's conditioned weight and testing standard.