Why paracord?
Paracord is the survival cord of choice because it has a high tensile strength compared to its small diameter. This makes it perfect for storing in an emergency kit or in a quick-deploy bracelet. Our paracord and shock cord is rot resistant and UV fade resistant, meaning it will remain strong and good looking, through the toughest of conditions!
What kind of paracord should I use?
When people talk about paracord, they usually mean the 550 lb. tensile strength cord used in military parachute suspension, but there are actually 4 different "types" of military-grade paracord. In addition to those, we carry a few other paracord varieties, including shock/elastic cord and types specifically for wilderness survival. Whether you are prepping for the next zombie incursion or crafting a fantastic homemade gift, we have the cord for you!
More details on each type of cord can be found below the comparison chart, including which paracord bracelet buckles and clasps work best with each kind.
| Cord | Photo | Actual size | Diameter | Tensile strength | Inner strands |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nano |  |
0.75 mm | 36 lb. | 0 | |
| 1/32" Elastic |  |
1/32" (0.8 mm) | — | 3 | |
| Micro |  |
1.18 mm | 90–100 lb. | 0 | |
| 1/16" Elastic |  |
1/16" (1.6 mm) | — | 6 | |
| 95 |  |
1.75 mm | 100 lb. | 1 | |
| Camp Cord |  |
1.8 mm | 155 lb. | 3 | |
| 275 |  |
2 mm | 275 lb. | 5 | |
| 325 |  |
3 mm | 325 lb. | 3 | |
| 425 |  |
3 mm | 425 lb. | 3 | |
| 1/8" Shock |  |
1/8" (3.2 mm) | 100 lb. | 12 | |
| Paralock Cord |  |
3.25 mm | 450 lb. | 1 | |
| Survival Cord |  |
5/32" (3.97 mm) | 550 lb. | 7 | |
| 550 |  |
4 mm | 550 lb. | 7 | |
| 550 Mil Spec |  |
4 mm | 550 lb. | 7 | |
| 650 Coreless |  |
5 mm wide, flat | — | 0 | |
| 850 |  |
4.5 mm | 850 lb. | 8 | |
| 750 |  |
5 mm | 750 lb. | 11 | |
| Battle Cord |  |
5.6 mm | 2,650 lb. | 7 | |
| 1/4" Para-Max |  |
1/4" (6.35 mm) | 1,200 lb. | 3 | |
| 1/4" Shock |  |
1/4" (6.35 mm) | 210 lb. | 48 | |
| 5/16" Para-Max |  |
5/16" (7.9 mm) | 1,200 lb. | 6 |
The "actual size" column shows each cord's diameter at true scale relative to the others. Elastic and shock cord are rated for stretch, not static load — use nylon paracord where working strength matters.
Prefer the classic chart?
Our printable cord comparison chart shows every size side by side. Click the thumbnail to open the full-size chart in a new tab, where you can save or print it.
Paracord
The classic kernmantle cord: a woven nylon sheath over inner strands. The number in each name is its rated tensile strength in pounds — so the ladder below runs from the finest jewelry cord to heavy tactical cord.
Nano Paracord
Type I nylon · 36 lb. tensile strength · 0.75 mm diameter · 0 inner strands
Nano is our thinnest cord, but it has no shortage of great uses. Its small size means large amounts pack into a very small space. Use it for smaller bracelets and jewelry, or for emergency situations where a high strength rating isn't necessary.
Pairs with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles
Micro Paracord
Type I nylon · 90–100 lb. tensile strength · 1.18 mm diameter · 0 inner strands
Micro goes great by itself, or alongside 550 cord to add a little color to woven patterns. It's a strong little cord with just as many potential uses as our popular 550. Our favorite projects: paracord necklaces and laced cobra bracelets.
Pairs with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles
95 Paracord
Type I nylon · 100 lb. tensile strength · 1.75 mm diameter · 1 inner strand
95 paracord falls between Micro and 275: thicker than Micro with about the same tensile strength, and with a single inner strand that keeps it highly flexible. It's a favorite for macramé, bracelets, wind chimes, and other weaving projects.
Pairs with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles, 5/8" buckles
275 Paracord
Type II nylon · 275 lb. tensile strength · 2 mm diameter · 5 inner strands
275 is one of our stiffest paracords — five core strands inside a 2 mm sheath, with about a 7" standout. That stiffness makes it great for crafting and repairs, and especially good for small projects like kids' bracelets, keychains, and lanyards.
Pairs with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles, 5/8" buckles
325 Paracord
Type II nylon · 325 lb. tensile strength · 3 mm diameter · 3 inner strands
325 is the happy medium between Micro and traditional 550. Reach for it when you need a thinner cord that still has real strength and durability — smaller bracelets, boot laces, belts, keychains, leashes, and everyday crafting.
Pairs with: most of our plastic buckles, metal shackles, breakaway buckles
425 Paracord
Type II nylon · 425 lb. tensile strength · 3 mm diameter · 3 inner strands
425 is noticeably thinner than 550 in spite of the mere millimeter difference. It's the pick for projects where 550 is just a little too thick.
Pairs with: most of our plastic buckles, metal shackles, breakaway buckles, cord locks
550 Paracord
Type III nylon · 550 lb. tensile strength · 4 mm diameter · 7 inner strands
Our most popular cord, because it offers the best balance of strength and flexibility. It has countless uses: bracelets, clothing repair, handle wraps, hunting, fishing, and camping. If you're not sure where to start, start here.
We offer standard 550 and Military Spec cord — cord that has undergone more rigorous strength and durability testing.
Pairs with: most of our plastic buckles, metal shackles, breakaway buckles, cord locks
650 Paracord
While 650 falls between 550 and 750 in name and diameter, its weight rating is a bit of an anomaly. We offer coreless 650 only.
Coreless 650
Here due to popular demand! A flat, hollow cord — the perfect choice for most handle wraps and weaving projects.
Nylon · 1.5 mm thick · 5 mm wide · no core
Standard 650
Great for crafting and adding bulk to projects. Puffy inner strands don't flatten like standard paracord.
Nylon · 350 lb. tensile strength · 4 mm diameter · 4 puffy filler strands
750 Paracord
Type IV nylon · 750 lb. tensile strength · 5 mm diameter · 11 inner strands
Bigger and better than 550: only slightly thicker, but 26% stronger. 750 is the workhorse for belts, leashes, emergency kits, and heavier-duty projects.
Pairs with: 1/2" buckles, 5/8" buckles, 3/4" buckles, 1" buckles, some cord locks
850 Paracord
Type IV nylon · 850 lb. tensile strength · 4.5 mm diameter · 8 inner strands
850 sits at the top of the standard paracord ladder — stronger than 750 in a slightly slimmer profile. Choose it for rugged outdoor use and heavy-duty projects where you want maximum strength in a cord that still handles like paracord.
Heavy-Duty Cord
When a project outgrows paracord — towing, halters, serious survival kits — step up to Para-Max or Battle Cord.
Para-Max Cord
Para-Max is the biggest and beefiest paracord we carry — an essential for any emergency survival kit, and great for towing, hiking, hunting, pet toys, horse halters, and outdoor projects. Both sizes share a 32-strand woven nylon outer sheath; 5/16" is simply a thicker version of the 1/4" cord.
Pairs with: 1" buckles; 1/4" also fits some 3/4" buckles
Battle Cord
Nylon · 2,650 lb. tensile strength · 5.6 mm diameter · 7 inner strands, each rated at 350 lb.
The toughest cord we carry, with a 2,650 lb. tensile strength. It's less stretchy and less flexible than other varieties — this is one tough cord, and every one of its seven inner strands is stronger than an entire hank of 275 paracord.
Shock & Elastic Cord
Built to stretch. Elastic cord is for lightweight craft and jewelry work; shock cord is engineered to hold strength while elongated — think bungee straps and cargo nets.
Elastic Cord
Dependable, tough, and stretchy. Elastic cord is used for countless projects: DIY jewelry, gift wrap, home décor, bracelets, display cards, scrapbooking, name tags, and masks.
Shock Cord
Shock cord is manufactured for its elastic qualities and its ability to hold strength while elongated. Use it for bungee straps, cargo nets, hammocks, securing loads, and transporting boxes. The 1/8" size can also serve as an elastic core for a traditional paracord bracelet, so it slides over your hand without a buckle closure.
1/8" pairs with: 3/8" buckles, 1/2" buckles, 5/8" buckles, cord locks
Updated August 21, 2026