# Knitting Machine Fabric Output Calculator

> Calculate circular knitting machine output in kg per hour and per shift from RPM, feeders, needles, stitch length, yarn count and efficiency.

Category: Textile & apparel · Applies to: Worldwide · Last updated: 2026-10-29
Interactive calculator: https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/knitting-machine-fabric-output-calculator

Each revolution, every feeder knits one course on every needle. Yarn length per minute is RPM × feeders × needles × stitch length, and its weight follows from the yarn count.

Also called: Circular knitting production calculator.

## Inputs
- Machine speed (unit RPM; default 25)
- Feeders (default 90)
- Needles (default 2640)
- Stitch length (unit mm; default 2.8)
- Yarn count (default 20)
- Count system (options: Tex, Ne (English cotton count), Denier, Nm (metric count); default tex)
- Machine efficiency (unit %; default 85)
- Running hours (unit h; default 24)

## Results
- Production per hour
- Production for the hours entered
- Production at 100% efficiency
- Yarn consumed per minute
- Yarn count in tex

## Formula

```
Yarn m/min = RPM × Feeders × Needles × SL(mm) ÷ 1,000;  kg/h = Yarn m/min × 60 × tex ÷ 1,000,000 × Efficiency
```

Where:
- SL: stitch (loop) length in mm
- tex: grams per 1,000 m; tex = 590.54 ÷ Ne = denier ÷ 9 = 1,000 ÷ Nm

## Worked example
1. Yarn per minute = 25 × 90 × 2,640 × 2.8 mm = 16,632 m.
2. At 20 tex: 16,632 × 60 × 20 ÷ 1,000,000 = 19.958 kg/h.
3. At 85%: 16.96 kg/h; over 24 h: 407.15 kg.

**Result:** A 30″ 28G machine with 90 feeders at 25 RPM, 2.8 mm stitch length and 20 tex yarn makes about 17 kg an hour, 407 kg a day.

## What the result means

Compare the result with actual roll weights. A consistent gap usually means the real efficiency or stitch length differs from the figure used.

## Assumptions and limits
- Every feeder is active and knits on every needle (single jersey). For rib or interlock with two needle beds, enter the total needles that knit per feeder.
- Spandex or plated yarns need each yarn calculated separately and added.
- Does not include yarn waste or moisture regain.

## Questions

### How do I convert Ne to tex?

tex = 590.54 ÷ Ne, because Ne counts 840-yard hanks per pound.

### Where do I get the stitch length?

Measure the yarn length in 100 needles of unravelled fabric, or use the setting from your knitting programme.

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Source: GM¹X CalcVerse — https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/knitting-machine-fabric-output-calculator