A strand may itself constitute a rope, however, ropes are generally made up of multiple strands. A stranded rope is made with several strands arranged in a helix and regularly spaced with one or more layers wound around a central core.

A rope can have a textile or metalcore or can have a construction with strands with metal or textile core. The textile core does not contribute to the breaking load.

In case of need to improve the strength, it is possible to use a metal core which contributes to the total breaking load of the rope. Such ropes, however, are stiffer. The metal core also gives, to a certain extent, an anti-twist property to the rope itself.

The most common formation consists of a core with six strands, although there are ropes with a lower number of strands as well as more complex ropes made with several strands or ropes made with other ropes (Grelin formation).