Martindale test / rub count: Meaning, Sources and Supplier Questions

Short answer: The Martindale test measures how well a fabric resists abrasion by rubbing a sample against a standard abrasive in set cycles. The rub count is the number of cycles reached at the defined wear end point, and a higher count means better abrasion resistance.

What two sources say about Martindale test / rub count

Source page	Publisher	What the page says
Martindale method	Wikipedia	Describes the Martindale as a measure of how well textiles, especially upholstery fabrics, resist abrasion. A sample is rubbed on a standard abrasive under set force, cycles are counted in steps of 5,000, and a higher number means more resistance.
BS EN ISO 12947-2:2016 Textiles. Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method. Determination of specimen breakdown	BSI (British Standards Institution)	States that part 2 of the multi-part ISO Martindale standard finds the test end point by inspecting the specimen at set intervals for breakdown. It covers nearly all textile fabrics including nonwovens, but not coated or laminated fabrics.
The Ultimate Guide to Upholstery Fabric	Textile School	Contrasts Wyzenbeek (back-and-forth rubbing scored in double rubs) with Martindale (rubbing against a standard abrasive surface until wear shows).

Key points

The method rubs a fabric sample against a standard abrasive surface under a set force to imitate wear, for example on a seat cover. [1, 3]
Cycles are counted in steps of 5,000, and a higher wear number means greater abrasion resistance. [1]
ISO 12947-2 is one part of a multi-part standard and determines the end point by inspecting the specimen at set intervals for breakdown. [2]
That part applies to nearly all textile fabrics including nonwovens, but not to coated or laminated fabrics. [2]
Wikipedia cites German minimum cycles such as 10,000 to 15,000 for private use and 25,000 to 35,000 for office use. [1]
The US often uses the Wyzenbeek test instead, and the Martindale machine can also assess pilling. [1]

Martindale test / rub count compared with Wyzenbeek test

Aspect	Martindale test / rub count	Wyzenbeek test	Source
Rubbing action	Sample rubbed against a standard abrasive under a set force.	Back-and-forth rubbing.	[1, 3]
Unit	Cycles, counted in steps of 5,000.	Double rubs.	[1, 3]
Where more common	Described as the most widely used test of its kind.	Often used in the US instead.	[1]

Where sources differ

Cycle thresholds for 'domestic' or 'commercial' use differ between sources and countries; Wikipedia cites German minimums only. Martindale cycles and Wyzenbeek double rubs are different scales and should not be treated as equal. The Textile School page describes the Martindale motion inconsistently between its article and FAQ, so only its main-article description is used.

Questions to ask a supplier about Martindale test / rub count

[ ] Was the abrasion result measured by the Martindale method, and to which standard?
[ ] What was the end point used (for example specimen breakdown)?
[ ] How many cycles did the fabric reach, and on which sample?
[ ] Is the fabric coated or laminated, in which case another method may apply?
[ ] Can a test report be shared?

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Sources: [1] Wikipedia, fetched 2026-11-12; [2] BSI (British Standards Institution), fetched 2026-11-12; [3] Textile School, fetched 2026-11-12. As of 2026-11-12. General information, not legal, customs or tax advice. Wording is paraphrased from the pages linked; your written quote and contract govern.