{"id":15099,"date":"2023-07-27T09:50:29","date_gmt":"2023-07-27T01:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/byhoutdoor.com\/?p=15099"},"modified":"2026-09-04T15:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T07:43:00","slug":"the-difference-between-550-cord-and-paracord","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.survfire.com\/es\/the-difference-between-550-cord-and-paracord\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Difference Between 550 Cord and Paracord?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Paracord<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Source: iStock<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paracord and 550 cord have gained popularity in recent years for their tensile strength and versatility. They\u2019re widely used in a wide range of fields, including crafting, outdoor recreation, the military, and emergency preparedness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it may sound obvious, some people still find themselves wondering if paracord and 550 cords are different. It\u2019s important to understand their differences and similarities to ensure you choose the right type for your specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article will explain in greater detail the differences between the two. In addition, we\u2019ll share our suggestions for the best paracord manufacturer and helpful tips for choosing the right cord for your needs<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Is There a Difference Between 550 Cord and Paracord?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is that they\u2019re essentially the same thing. Paracord is a general term for different types of paracord, with 550 cord being a specific kind of paracord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paracord, which stands for parachute cord, has its origins in the U.S. military<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. The original paracord (called mil-spec paracord) is a specific type of American-made nylon rope that was designed for the parachute suspension lines of American paratroopers during WWII. After landing, the paratroopers would normally cut a piece of the paracord and use it for all types of applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paracord shouldn\u2019t be mistaken for traditional ropes either. Unlike a traditional rope, paracord consists of a braided outer sheath that envelops several inner strands. The outer sheath is typically made of high-quality nylon, which is valued for its durability, strength, and ability to resist abrasion and rot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every paracord manufacturer may have their own variations of paracord. But in general, paracord is classified based on its minimum breaking strength and other unique features (e.g., reflective paracord and fire-starting paracord).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the most common types of commercial paracord:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type I<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Type I paracord can withstand a minimum of 95 pounds of static weight or tension before it fails. The cord is usually 1.75 millimeters (0.07 inches) thick, with a single yarn inside its outer sheath. While it\u2019s not as thick as the succeeding paracord types, it\u2019s still a decent utility cord that\u2019s often used in accessories and jewelry making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you need something thinner than Type I paracord, many manufacturers offer nano cord, micro cord, and micro 90 cord. These cords can hold 95 to 100 pounds of static weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type II<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Type II paracord has a minimum breaking strength of 400 pounds and 4 to 7 core strands. Type IIA is different because it has no core. It also has a lower minimum breaking strength of 225 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type III<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The paracord you know is most likely referring to the Type III paracord, also known as the 550 paracord. Its 4-millimeter cord is made up of at least seven inner strands and has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds. This is suitable for a wide range of applications and outdoor activities, including camping and hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type IV<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Type IV paracord offers greater strength, making it suitable for most heavy-duty applications. At a minimum, it can withstand 750 pounds of load or tension. Its thicker cord (5 millimeters) consists of 11 to 13 inner strands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>A Closer Look at 550 Paracord<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned earlier, Type III paracord is widely known as 550 paracord. It\u2019s the most popular type of paracord because it has a good balance of strength and durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t confuse 550 paracord with mil-spec parachute cord (MIL-C-5040 Paracord), though. Mil-spec parachute cord is used for highly demanding tasks because of its great minimum breaking strength of 750 pounds (roughly 340 kilograms). It\u2019s manufactured and tested to be in strict compliance with the military specifications outlined in MIL-C-5040H.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outer sheath of 550 paracord (Type III) is made of braided nylon, which typically consists of 7 to 9 inner strands. Each of these strands is composed of 2 to 3 twisted nylon yarns. The combined strength of the outer sheath and strands gives 550 paracord its minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds (roughly 249 kilograms) and safe working load of 110 pounds (roughly 49 kilograms).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

550 paracord is a favorite general-purpose paracord among many individuals, including outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, survivalists, do-it-yourselfers, and military personnel. You can use it as it is or remove the strands to use them individually for different purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below are just a few examples of what you can do with 550 parachute cords:<\/p>\n\n\n\n