The Yarn StudioCALCULATOR
Yarn weight & gauge calculator
Work out the gauge a yarn should give on your needles or hook, or go the other way: enter the gauge your pattern asks for and find the yarn weights — and real yarns — that hit it.
Estimate gauge from a yarn weight
Pick the yarn’s weight category and the needle size you plan to use. Estimates are a starting point — always swatch.
Standard range for Medium / Worsted (4): 4.5–5.5 mm.
Estimated stitches / 10 cm
18
Estimated rows / 10 cm
26
Standard range
16–20 sts
Convert your swatch
Count the stitches across a measured section of your swatch to get a gauge you can compare to any pattern.
Standard knitting gauge by weight
| Weight | Sts / 10 cm | Rows / 10 cm | Needles (mm) | WPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lace (0) | 33–40 | 40–56 | 1.5–2.25 | 30–40 |
| Super Fine (1) | 27–32 | 36–44 | 2.25–3.25 | 19–22 |
| Fine / Sport (2) | 23–26 | 32–38 | 3.25–3.75 | 15–18 |
| Light / DK (3) | 21–24 | 28–34 | 3.75–4.5 | 12–14 |
| Medium / Worsted (4) | 16–20 | 22–30 | 4.5–5.5 | 9–11 |
| Bulky (5) | 12–15 | 16–22 | 5.5–8 | 7–8 |
| Super Bulky (6) | 7–11 | 10–16 | 8–12.75 | 3–6 |
Not sure what you’re holding? Identify a mystery yarn or read the full yarn weight chart.
Related guides
- Yarn SubstitutionHow to substitute yarn in any patternMatch gauge, calculate yardage, and swap yarn weights with confidence — with worked examples and a free substitute finder.
- ReferenceYarn weight chart & gauge guideEvery standard yarn weight from Lace to Jumbo, with recommended needle sizes, hook sizes, and average gauge per 10 cm.
- BlanketsBest yarn for blanketsWashable, soft yarns for knit and crochet blankets, plus yardage for every blanket size.