Buying guide · 9 min
What is KPSI and does it matter?
Editorial team · updated 2026-10-03
How to count
Count knots along one inch horizontally and one inch vertically on the back, then multiply.
Typical ranges
- Tribal and village rugs: often under 100 KPSI
- Good city rugs: around 150–300 KPSI
- Very fine silk rugs: can exceed 500 KPSI
Beyond density
Wool quality, dyes, design, condition and age matter just as much.
A note on this guide
This guide is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. Prices, workshop locations and practices change; check current details before travelling or buying.
Related photographs

Representative photographs, not of any specific catalogued object. Sources on the credits page.