ARGH! Everyone seems to call yarn by different names using a confusing set of units! Hand knit and crochet, EU (Europe) vs. US, machine knit, weaving WPP (wraps per inch), YPP (yards per pound), nm (meters per 1 gram – metric yarns number), … Depending on the system you’re using, 16/2 = 2/24 = 6720 yds / lb (cotton count vs worsted count)
BTW, the basic conversions I know off the top of my head are:
2.54 cm = 1 inch
453.6 grams = 1 pound
1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds
Thank goodness for Google (and other search engines) and built in conversion computations. In the “old” days when I got my bachelor’s degree in mathematics, we used the CRC Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae. I don’t remember what version I used but much of this info is available on calculators now.
What works with what machine? I’ve combined info from various web sites to provide basic guidelines. Please go to the document linked below and do your own research. When all else fails – SWATCH!! (I’m kidding – always always always make a gauge swatch for a knit item that requires specific dimensions.)
Note: Silver Reed manuals have photos to correlate actual sizes of yarn to stitch dial settings and of course, the different gauge machines will support different sizes of yarn. Yet more sets of numbers that have no relationship to the table attached below!