Rope vs Cord

The difference between rope and cord is a topic that is often debated. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between the two because of their apparent similarities, but you can easily differentiate the two by following our tips below.

There are quite a few similarities between rope and cord and often times people consider the two synonyms. Both have a similar tube-like shape and come in lengths ranging from just one foot to hundreds of feet. They can also be made of similar materials like nylon or polyester. A common form of rope made of nylon is twisted nylon rope and a common form of cord made of nylon is para-max cord.

Although there are similarities, there is one distinct difference that separates the two. Cord is lengths of fibers twisted together to create its shape, while rope is thick strings, fibers, or other cordage twisted or braided together to create its shape. In simple terms, rope is often made up of multiple cords and is commonly thicker in diameter. As you can see in the image below, the rope is twisted whereas the cord is neither braided nor twisted.

Aside from how they’re made, rope and cord have different purposes and can each perform a variety of tasks. Cord is commonly used for survival, adventure, and emergencies. For example, battle cord is great for hunting, camping, and backpacking due to its extremely versatile and durable abilities. Rope can be used for many things that are both functional and decorative. Some functional examples include towing, landscaping, and tug of war, while some decorative examples include coasters, light fixtures, and planet hangers. To find the perfect rope for your project, check out our guide here.

If you have any additional differences between rope and cord to mention, comment below!