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Yarn numbering is a term used to describe a yarn's physical size,

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or more specifically,

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its linear density.

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Since short-stable spun yarns, like those containing cotton,

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can vary greatly in their bulk,

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measuring a yarn's diameter in a consistent way

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can be almost impossible.

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For this reason,

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it is necessary to employ a more precise way of describing a yarn's physical size.

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There are two main methods for assigning a yarn number.

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One method is called the direct yarn numbering system.

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In this method,

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the yarn's linear density is denoted as a weight to length ratio.

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This method is commonly used for synthetic or man-made, fiber.

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For example,

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a 70-denier yarn means that there are 70 grams per 9000 meters.

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Denier is just one of the direct yarn numbering units,

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but it is one of the more common direct units used for synthetics.

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The other method for describing a yarn's

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linear density is called the indirect method.

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In this method,

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the yarn size is described in length to weight units.

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For cotton yarns,

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it's typical to see the denotations NCC, or sometimes NE.

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These denotations are otherwise known as cotton count or number English.

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For example,

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a number English 30 single,

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100% cotton or blend yarn

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means 30 times 840 yards per pound.

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840 yards is known as a hank.

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When all this is said,

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it's important to realize that there are other

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yarn numbering units that may be encountered.

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It's impossible to cover all of them.

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This is especially true in China and some other foreign

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countries, where many variations of yarn numbering may have evolved.

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Be aware that not everyone speaks or even

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knows all of these terms and their relationships.