The 4-Point System

The 4-Point System, a standard under ASTM D5430 – 07(2011) that specifies a method for establishing a
numerical classification for grading fabrics from a visual inspection, is the most commonly used fabric
inspection system in the garment industry. It may be used for the supply and adoption of fabrics with
criteria and tolerance agreed previously between buyers and sellers.

This scheme does not assign a quality level to a product; instead, it assigns demerit point scores to
defects to define them according to their seriousness levels. This method can rate any form of fabrics,
whether it's grey or finished.

How the 4-Point System Works

Owing to the scale, consistency, and importance of the defect, the 4-Point System assigns penalty points
from 1 to 4. A single flaw may be granted no more than 4 penalty points. Since the system is the same
for all directions, a defect may be assessed in either the length or width direction. Only major defects
are taken into consideration while minor defects are not penalized.

The total defect points are calculated for 100 square yards of fabric, and then based on the company’s
predefined acceptance criteria, the fabric roll is graded.

For example, assuming that after inspection of fabric roll of size 120 yards and width 45 inches, the
following defects were found:

Total defect points per 100 square yard of fabric = (Total defect points in the roll x 36 inches per yard x
100 yards) / (Fabric width in inch x fabric length in yards)

= (22 x 36 x 100) / (45 x 120) = 14.66 defect points per 100 square yards.

Acceptable Level

Some factories establish that up to 40 points per 100 square yards is acceptable, however, in the
apparel and textile industry, apparel brands and buyers set their own standards for acceptable points.