Nm (metric count)

The metric count Nm is an indirect, length-based numbering system for yarns and is traditionally used for wool, cotton and wool blends in continental Europe. Nm states how many metres of yarn weigh 1 gram: yarn Nm 40 has 40 m per gram; Nm 80 is twice as long and thus half as heavy/finer than Nm 40. Twists are written as combinations, e.g. Nm 80/2 for a two-ply twist from Nm 80 - the resulting twist is approximately as fine as single Nm 40. Conversions to the internationally preferred tex system: tex = 1000/Nm; so Nm 40 equals tex 25. Sewing threads for dress shirts are typically Nm 120 to Nm 200, knitting yarns for merino fine gauge Nm 48 to Nm 60, sock yarns Nm 4 to Nm 8. In international tenders remember: Nm is regional, Ne and Tex are global.