Paracord

Which type of paracord do you need?

The right paracord depends on two things: how much load it needs to carry, and how fine or bulky you want the finished project to look. As a starting point, Type III 550 covers most general use, Micro and Nano suit fine jewellery and bracelets, and Type IV 750 or Mil-Spec are for genuine load-bearing or military-grade requirements. Use the table below to compare diameter and breaking strength at a glance. For a full explanation of what paracord is, how it's made and what Mil-Spec means, see our guide What is Paracord.

Which paracord for which project?

Type III 550 is the most versatile option and the right choice for most projects: dog leads, survival bracelets, hammock lashings and general outdoor use. For bracelets and keychains where you want a slimmer result, Micro or Type I cord gives a neater finish. For fine jewellery work or detailed knotwork, Nano cord at 0.75 mm is the thinnest option we stock. Heavy-duty applications like horse halters or load-bearing lashings call for Type IV 750 at 340 kg breaking strength.

How much paracord do you need?

As a rule of thumb: for a cobra bracelet allow around one metre of paracord per centimetre of bracelet length, so roughly 2 to 2.5 metres for an average wrist. For a dog lead of 1.5 metres, allow at least 10 metres of Type III. Not sure? Use our Paracord Matchmaker to calculate the exact amount for your project and find matching colours.

Our paracord subcategories

Paracord 550 Type III

Our bestselling paracord, built with a 32-strand woven sheath around 7 inner strands for a smooth, flexible finish. Available in over 200 colours and patterns, from solid shades to diamond, helix and reflectable weaves. The most forgiving cord to knot with, which is why it's the default choice for first-time makers.

Micro paracord

A slimmer 16-strand construction that keeps the classic paracord look at a fraction of the bulk. Comes in 1.2, 1.4 and 1.5 mm diameters, both offered in the same colour range as our Type III cord so you can match a fine accessory to a larger project.

Nano paracord

Our finest cord, spun rather than sheath-and-core like the thicker types. At 0.75 mm it behaves more like a strong thread than a rope, which is why it's favoured for delicate jewellery work where a bulkier cord would overwhelm the design.

Paracord 750 Type IV

Steps up to an 11-strand core inside the same woven sheath construction, giving a noticeably stiffer handle than Type III. At 4.2 mm diameter and 340 kg breaking strength, the extra strand count is what pushes the load rating up rather than a thicker sheath alone.

Mil-Spec paracord

Manufactured to the exact MIL-C-5040H spec rather than a commercial equivalent, meaning tighter tolerances on strand count and sheath weave. Available in Type I (1.8 mm, 43 kg) and Type III (3.8 mm, 250 kg), restricted to authentic military colourways like olive drab, coyote brown and black rather than our full civilian colour range.

Survival and bushcraft rope

Goes beyond standard construction by building extra function into the cord itself. Fish and Fire paracord hides a length of fishing line and a fire starter strand inside the sheath, so the cord doubles as a compact survival kit rather than just cordage.

Package deals

Pre-bundled sets rather than single-colour spools, either a curated multi-colour assortment or one colour in bulk from 10 to 300 metres. Priced per metre lower than buying the same lengths individually.

New to paracord?

Our guide What is Paracord covers everything from the history of paracord and how it's constructed, to Mil-Spec standards and the difference between nylon and polyester cord. Use the Paracord Matchmaker to find colours and calculate how much you need for your project.

Frequently asked questions