What's the Best Thread Count for Sheets?
The best thread count for sheets depends on a number of factors, including fiber type, fabric weave, and personal preference. The meaning and importance of thread count are commonly misunderstood as an indicator of quality. In reality, thread count measures the number of horizontal and vertical yarns (or threads) in a square inch of fabric, and can reveal more about the warmth, softness, and strength of bed sheets.
So, What's a Good Thread Count for Sheets?
Generally speaking, the best thread count for cotton sheets is between 200 and 600. Within this range, higher thread counts are associated with a tighter weave, warmer fabric, and a subtle increase in softness. Above this range, however, the difference in softness becomes negligible—and higher thread counts can even indicate thin, weak fibers that won’t last.
Best Thread Counts for Cotton Sheets by Fabric Type
The weave with which a cotton fabric is made affects which thread count is most appropriate. Consult our bed sheet thread count chart to find the ideal range for each fabric type:
| Material | Thread Count | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| Percale | 200-400 | Percale sheets feature a plain one-over-one-under weave and a thread count of at least 100, but high-quality options will have a thread count between 200 and 400. |
| Sateen* | 300-600 | Woven with more vertical than horizontal yarns to create a silky surface, sateen sheets should have a thread count between 300 and 600. Sateen sheets are softer and warmer than lower thread count fabrics. |
| Cotton Blend | 200-600 | Sheets made from blended fabrics—such as cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell or cotton and bamboo—often feature a sateen weave that amplifies the fibers’ silkiness. The best thread count depends on the weave, as listed above. |
| Flannel | –– | Flannel is measured by weight, not thread count, with the best flannel sheets weighing 5 or 6 oz. |
| Jersey Knit | –– | Jersey sheets are knit, not woven, so they do not have a thread count. |
What Is the Best Thread Count for Linen Sheets?
Ideal thread counts for linen sheets are lower due to the nature of the fabric’s fibers: Because linen sheets are made with thicker yarns than cotton sheets, thread count is less of an indicator of quality, softness, or warmth. Look for high-quality, 100% pure linen sheets with a thread count between 80 and 120. Linen sheets may be measured by thread count or by grams per square meter (GSM).
What Thread Count Is the Softest?
In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets, but inflated thread counts—anything over 800—can be misleading. It’s more important to consider factors like fiber and weave. A 400-thread-count cotton percale sheet set will be softer than a 200-thread-count percale set, but may not be as soft as a 300-thread-count sateen sheet as sateen’s unique weave pattern creates a smoother surface. Cotton-blend sheets made with bamboo rayon or TENCEL™ Lyocell will be extremely soft, regardless of weave or thread count, due to the nature of the semi-synthetic fibers.
The best thread count for sheets is between 200 and 600, but ultimately, the exact number depends on your preferences. Choose sheets first by your ideal material or weave—airy linen, crisp percale, or silky sateen—and then look for thread counts that fall in the appropriate range for that fabric. Explore our Guides for more on choosing bedding and creating a comfortable space to sleep.