Thread count in bedsheets refers to the number of horizontal and vertical threads per square inch of fabric. A higher thread count generally indicates a softer sheet, but it is not the sole indicator of quality or comfort. Quality and comfortable sheets can be found with thread counts ranging from 200 to 800 and beyond. However, there is no magic number that is the perfect thread count. Its important to note that thread count is not the only consideration when it comes to the overall quality of a set of sheets. Other factors such as the quality of the yarns, the manufacturer’s production process, the weave type, and many other factors all contribute to the performance of a set of bed sheets. Additionally, a common tactic to artificially inflate the thread count is to use double- or triple-ply threads, which are usually of lower quality. As each thread technically has two or three fibers, they are counted two or three times when it comes to the thread count. This could result in a sheet set with a thread count thats actually of a lower quality than a similar set with a lower thread count. In summary, while thread count can provide a rough indicator of the softness and feel of a fabric, it is not the only factor to consider when purchasing bedsheets.