Gauge calculator

Turn your swatch into stitches and rows per 4 in or 10 cm, then see how your gauge changes the pattern and what numbers to use instead.

Updated

Units
1. Your swatch

Count the stitches and rows in the middle of a washed, blocked swatch, away from the edges.

2. Your pattern optional

Your gauge

– sts per 4 in

 

 

Pattern's 100 sts
–
Pattern as written
–

How the gauge calculator works

Your gauge is the number of stitches you counted, divided by the width you counted them over, scaled to 4 in or 10 cm. If you counted 11 stitches over 2 in, that is 22 stitches per 4 in.

To adjust a pattern, each count is multiplied by your gauge and divided by the pattern's. With 22 stitches per 4 in instead of 20, a pattern's 100 stitches becomes 110 to reach the same width. Made as written, the same 100 stitches would come out about 9% narrower.

When not to adjust the numbers

Rescaling works for rectangles and simple tubes. For shaped garments, charts and lace, the stitch counts have to fit the pattern's repeats and shaping, so it is usually better to change needle size until your gauge matches.

Common questions

How do I measure gauge?
Make a swatch at least 6 in (15 cm) square in the pattern stitch, then wash and dry it the way you will treat the finished piece. Lay it flat, put a ruler across the middle and count the stitches in 4 in (10 cm), including half stitches. Do the same vertically for rows.
What if my gauge does not match the pattern?
Change needle or hook size: go up a size if you have too many stitches, down a size if you have too few. Or keep your gauge and use the adjusted numbers from the calculator, which works well for simple shapes like scarves and blankets.
Does row gauge matter?
Less than stitch gauge for most projects, because many patterns say "work until the piece measures…". It matters for things worked to a row count, like raglan yokes and colourwork charts.
Why is my gauge different from the ball band?
The ball band shows a typical gauge in stockinette. Your tension, needle material and stitch pattern all change it. Always swatch in the pattern stitch the pattern uses.
Cast-on calculatorUse your gauge to size any pieceNeedle & hook converterGo up or down a sizeYarn weight chartTypical gauge for each weight