How much yarn do I need for a hat?
An adult beanie in worsted takes about 165 yards, so one skein is usually enough. Pick your size and yarn below for an exact figure.
Updated
Knitted hat yardage chart
A plain beanie in stockinette without a pom-pom. Sizes are by finished circumference, which is usually 1–2 in / 2.5–5 cm smaller than the head so the hat stays on.
| Size | DK | Worsted | Bulky | Super bulky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preemie 12 in around | 55 yd 50 m | 50 yd 45 m | 30 yd 30 m | 20 yd 20 m |
| Newborn 13.5 in around | 70 yd 65 m | 60 yd 55 m | 40 yd 35 m | 25 yd 25 m |
| Baby 3–6 months 15 in around | 85 yd 80 m | 75 yd 70 m | 50 yd 45 m | 35 yd 30 m |
| Baby 6–12 months 16.5 in around | 115 yd 105 m | 95 yd 90 m | 65 yd 60 m | 45 yd 40 m |
| Toddler 18 in around | 130 yd 120 m | 115 yd 105 m | 75 yd 70 m | 50 yd 45 m |
| Child 19 in around | 150 yd 135 m | 130 yd 115 m | 85 yd 80 m | 55 yd 50 m |
| Teen / adult small 20.5 in around | 170 yd 155 m | 150 yd 135 m | 100 yd 90 m | 65 yd 60 m |
| Adult medium 21.5 in around | 190 yd 175 m | 165 yd 150 m | 110 yd 100 m | 75 yd 65 m |
| Adult large 22.5 in around | 210 yd 195 m | 180 yd 165 m | 120 yd 110 m | 80 yd 75 m |
Crochet hat yardage chart
Half double or double crochet. Crochet hats worked in single crochet or with bobbles need 10–30% more.
| Size | DK | Worsted | Bulky | Super bulky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preemie 12 in around | 70 yd 65 m | 60 yd 55 m | 40 yd 35 m | 25 yd 25 m |
| Newborn 13.5 in around | 90 yd 80 m | 75 yd 70 m | 50 yd 45 m | 35 yd 30 m |
| Baby 3–6 months 15 in around | 110 yd 100 m | 95 yd 85 m | 60 yd 55 m | 40 yd 40 m |
| Baby 6–12 months 16.5 in around | 140 yd 130 m | 120 yd 110 m | 80 yd 75 m | 55 yd 50 m |
| Toddler 18 in around | 165 yd 150 m | 140 yd 130 m | 95 yd 85 m | 65 yd 60 m |
| Child 19 in around | 185 yd 170 m | 160 yd 145 m | 105 yd 100 m | 70 yd 65 m |
| Teen / adult small 20.5 in around | 220 yd 195 m | 185 yd 170 m | 125 yd 110 m | 80 yd 75 m |
| Adult medium 21.5 in around | 240 yd 220 m | 210 yd 190 m | 135 yd 125 m | 90 yd 85 m |
| Adult large 22.5 in around | 270 yd 240 m | 230 yd 210 m | 150 yd 140 m | 100 yd 95 m |
Measuring a head for a hat
Wrap a tape measure around the head just above the ears and across the forehead. Knit or crochet the hat 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) smaller than that for a snug beanie, or the same size for a slouchy one. For a slouchy hat, add 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) to the height and choose the next size up in the calculator.
Common questions
Is one skein enough for a hat?
Usually, yes. An adult beanie in worsted needs about 165 yards, so one 200 yd skein is enough unless you add a pom-pom or a folded brim. Bulky hats need about 110–130 yards.
How much extra yarn for a pom-pom?
A full 3 in / 7.5 cm pom-pom takes about 20–30 yards of worsted. A faux-fur pom-pom saves that yarn entirely.
How much yarn for a ribbed or folded-brim beanie?
All-over ribbing uses about 15% more, so around 190 yards for an adult worsted hat. A folded brim adds the brim depth again, typically 20–35 extra yards.
How much yarn for a baby hat?
A 3–6 month baby hat in DK needs about 85 yards, so leftovers from another project are often enough.