Parachute cord, paracord (as it is commonly referred to) or 550 cord are all names to describe a lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used as suspension lines of U.S. parachutes. The 550 cord consists of a 32 strand woven nylon outer sheath with an inner core of seven, 2 ply nylon yarns. Because of the high number of woven strands, the exterior sheath has a relatively smooth feel. Paracord has a diameter of roughly 1/8th of an inch.