Overview
ISO 1144:2016 - Textiles: Universal system for designating linear density (Tex System) defines a single, metric-based system for expressing the linear density of textile fibres, intermediate products (tops, slivers, rovings), yarns and similar structures. The standard formalizes the Tex System (a direct decimal system) and gives the principles, recommended units, notation and conversion guidance to replace disparate traditional numbering/counting systems.
Key SEO terms: ISO 1144:2016, Tex System, linear density, tex, dtex, mtex, ktex, yarn count, conversion tables.
Key topics and technical requirements
- System characteristics: The Tex System is a direct system expressing mass per unit length (linear density) using metric units.
- Basic unit and multiples:
- tex (tex) - 1 tex = 1 g/km = 1 mg/m
- decitex (dtex) - 1 dtex = 0.1 mg/m
- millitex (mtex) - 1 mtex = 1 µg/m
- kilotex (ktex) - 1 ktex = 1 g/m
- Notation: Linear density is shown as a numeric value followed by the unit (e.g., 60 dtex). The symbol Tt denotes “linear density expressed in the Tex System” in formulae (not a unit).
- Conversion and rounding: Annex A provides detailed conversion tables (multiplying factors and constants) for converting traditional direct and indirect systems (e.g., denier, Ne, Nm) to tex, guidance on rounding to significant figures, and recommended tex values (Table A.4) for trade and production consistency.
- Implementation guidance: Annex B outlines procedures for adopting the Tex System in trade and industry to ensure consistent use across supply chains.
- Scope note: There are no normative references in this document.
Practical applications
- Standardizes specification, labelling and communication of yarn and fibre fineness across international supply chains.
- Converts traditional counts (denier, cotton counts, metric counts, worsted, etc.) into tex for:
- Procurement and contracts
- Quality control and laboratory reporting
- Machine setup and process control (spinning, winding, weaving, knitting)
- Trade documentation and harmonization across regions
- Facilitates product comparisons, inventory categorization and technical data sheets.
Who should use this standard
- Textile manufacturers, spinners and yarn producers
- Quality assurance and testing laboratories
- Textile engineers and process technicians
- Traders, buyers and specification writers in textile supply chains
- Standards bodies and regulatory authorities implementing consistent labelling
Related standards
- ISO 1139 (referenced for the definition of “yarn” and more detailed designations such as folded/cabled yarns)
- Developed under ISO/TC 38 (Textiles), Subcommittee SC 23 (Fibres and yarns)
Using ISO 1144:2016 enables clear, metric-based communication of yarn linear density (tex, dtex, mtex, ktex) and smooth conversion from traditional numbering systems - essential for international trade, manufacturing specification and laboratory consistency.
