Type III 550 paracord is approximately 4mm in diameter. The braided sheath is made up of 32 strands and its core is made up of 7 strands that can be removed and also used when the need for a thinner cord arises. Each inner strand has a strength of approximately 35 pounds and is itself made up of 2 strands for commercial Type III 550 paracord or 3 strands for MIL-C-5040H Type III 550 paracord.