Paracord Uses: 550, 275, 325 & 750 Types
What paracord is used for — outdoor, craft and industrial — plus the type numbers explained and how to specify it.
Paracord is a lightweight braided nylon cord with a sheath over inner strands. The number is its breaking strength: 275 (~125 kg), 325 (~147 kg), 550 (~250 kg, the most popular) and 750 (~340 kg). It’s used for survival and outdoor gear, bracelets and crafts, and light industrial tie-downs.
We braid paracord in Bağcılar, Istanbul (product T209). The “type number” tells you its strength and inner-strand count — get that right and the rest follows. Paracord sits in the wider cord family covered in our Types of Cord guide. All Tekiş cord is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified (No: 2019OK0492).
What is paracord?
Paracord (parachute cord) is a braided nylon cord with a smooth outer sheath protecting several inner yarns. It is light, strong for its size, and resists rot and mildew — which is why it moved from parachute lines into outdoor and everyday use. For how it compares to braided, twisted and elastic cord, see Types of Cord.
Paracord types: 275, 325, 550, 750
| Type | Approx. strength | Inner strands | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 275 | ~125 kg | Fewer / thin | Crafts, light bracelets |
| 325 | ~147 kg | Mid | Lanyards, light gear |
| 550 | ~250 kg | 7 | The all-round standard |
| 750 | ~340 kg | 11 | Heavy outdoor & load |
550 (about 4 mm diameter) is by far the most popular — strong enough for most jobs and easy to work into bracelets and lashings.
What is paracord used for?
- Outdoor & survival — shelter lines, lashings, gear repair, tent guy-lines.
- Craft & accessories — bracelets, keychains, lanyards, dog leashes.
- Everyday & industrial — tie-downs, bundling, zipper pulls, light rigging.
How to specify paracord for bulk orders
Specify the type (275–750), diameter, color and total length. We braid custom colors — solids, camo and two-tone — with private label, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, for craft brands, outdoor labels and pet-accessory makers.
FAQ
550 and other types, custom colors and private label, OEKO-TEX certified — free sample, written quote within 24 hours.