How much yarn do I need for socks?
A pair of women's medium socks in fingering takes about 380 yards, just under one 400 yd (100 g) skein of sock yarn. Set your size and leg length below.
Updated
Sock yarn yardage chart
A pair of plain stockinette socks with a heel flap, including leg and foot. Ribbed legs add about 5%, and textured or colourwork socks 25–40%.
| Size | Fingering | Sport | DK | Worsted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby 5 in foot | 105 yd 95 m | 95 yd 85 m | 85 yd 75 m | 70 yd 65 m |
| Child 6.5 in foot | 220 yd 200 m | 200 yd 180 m | 180 yd 165 m | 155 yd 140 m |
| Women's S 7.5 in foot | 330 yd 300 m | 290 yd 270 m | 270 yd 240 m | 230 yd 210 m |
| Women's M 8 in foot | 380 yd 350 m | 340 yd 310 m | 310 yd 280 m | 260 yd 240 m |
| Women's L 8.5 in foot | 430 yd 400 m | 380 yd 350 m | 350 yd 320 m | 300 yd 270 m |
| Men's M 9 in foot | 470 yd 430 m | 420 yd 380 m | 380 yd 350 m | 330 yd 300 m |
| Men's L 9.5 in foot | 530 yd 480 m | 460 yd 430 m | 420 yd 390 m | 360 yd 330 m |
Measuring feet for socks
Measure around the widest part of the foot, across the ball. Knit socks about 10% smaller than that, so they hug the foot. Then measure the foot from heel to toe tip. Leg length is personal: ankle socks use about 2 in (5 cm) of leg, and knee socks can use three times the yarn of the standard 6–7 in (15–18 cm) leg.
Common questions
Is one skein of sock yarn enough for a pair?
Often, but only just. A 100 g skein of sock yarn is about 400–460 yards, and a women's medium pair with a 6.5 in leg uses about 380 yards. The calculator adds 10% extra, which tips it to two skeins. With a single skein, keep legs short or plan contrast heels and toes. Men's large (530 yd) needs a second skein.
How much yarn for DK or worsted socks?
Thicker socks need fewer yards but more grams. A women's medium pair in DK needs about 310 yards, which is usually three 50 g balls (about 125 yd each).
How do I make sure both socks match?
Weigh the skein and divide it into two equal balls before you start. Knit both socks two-at-a-time, or knit the second sock’s leg shorter if the yarn runs low.
Do crochet socks use more yarn?
Yes, around 25–40% more than knitted socks. Crochet socks are also thicker, so many people choose a lighter yarn.