About the Knitting Gauge Calculator
This knitting gauge calculator converts a pattern written for one gauge to the gauge you actually get with your yarn and needles. Enter the pattern gauge and your swatch gauge (stitches and rows over 4 in or 10 cm), plus the stitch and row counts from the pattern, and it tells you how many stitches to cast on and how many rows to work to hit the same measurements.
It is for knitters and crocheters substituting a different yarn, working a pattern at a looser or tighter tension than the designer, or checking how far off a garment will be if they ignore gauge. It also shows the finished width you would get by following the pattern’s numbers unchanged, so you can decide whether to recalculate or switch needle size.
Measure gauge on a washed and blocked swatch at least 6 in (15 cm) square, counting over the centre 4 in (10 cm). Adjusted counts are rounded to whole stitches; for patterns with stitch repeats, round to the nearest multiple of the repeat.
With the default inputs, the stitches to use at your gauge is 110. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the knitting gauge calculator
- 1Knit, wash and block a swatch at least 6 in (15 cm) square in the pattern stitch.
- 2Count stitches and rows over the centre 4 in or 10 cm and enter your gauge.
- 3Enter the gauge printed in the pattern.
- 4Enter the stitch and row counts you want to convert, such as the cast-on.
- 5Use the adjusted counts, rounding to fit any stitch repeat in the pattern.
Formula and method
Gauge is a density — stitches (or rows) per 4 in or 10 cm. Dividing a stitch count by the stitches per unit gives the width that count produces. To get the same width at a different gauge, the stitch count is scaled by the ratio of your gauge to the pattern gauge, and the same ratio applied to rows gives the length.
The “as written” width and length show what happens if you keep the pattern’s numbers but knit at your gauge. Adjusted counts are rounded to the nearest whole stitch or row. Shaping (increases, decreases, stitch repeats) should be recalculated with the same ratio and rounded to fit the repeat.
- Pattern sts gauge
- Stitches per 4 in/10 cm specified by the pattern
- Your sts gauge
- Stitches per 4 in/10 cm on your blocked swatch
- Pattern stitches
- A stitch count from the pattern, such as the cast-on
Worked examples
Tighter knitter: 22 sts vs pattern 20 sts per 4 in
The pattern’s 100 stitches at 20 sts per 4 in make 100 ÷ 5 = 20 in. At 22 sts per 4 in the same 100 stitches give only 18.18 in, 9.1% narrower. Casting on 100 × 22 ÷ 20 = 110 stitches restores 20 in, and 60 rows become 60 × 30 ÷ 28 = 64.3, so work 64 rows.
Substituting a looser yarn in centimetres
At 24 sts per 10 cm, 120 stitches measure 50 cm. Your 21 sts per 10 cm would turn them into 57.1 cm, so cast on 120 × 21 ÷ 24 = 105 stitches instead. Rows scale to 80 × 29 ÷ 32 = 72.5, which rounds to 73.
Frequently asked questions
How do I adjust a knitting pattern for a different gauge?+
Multiply each stitch count by your stitches-per-4-in divided by the pattern’s stitches-per-4-in, and each row count by the same ratio for rows. For example, 100 stitches at 20 sts/4 in becomes 110 stitches at 22 sts/4 in.
What does gauge mean in knitting?+
Gauge (or tension) is how many stitches and rows fit in a set distance, usually 4 in or 10 cm. It depends on yarn, needle size, stitch pattern and how tightly you knit, and it controls the finished size of the garment.
Does it matter if my gauge is slightly off?+
Small differences add up. Being off by one stitch per 4 in on a 40 in sweater changes the size by about 2 in, or 5%. For fitted garments match stitch gauge closely; for scarves and blankets small differences mainly change yardage.
Should I change needle size or recalculate stitches?+
Changing needle size is usually easier because the whole pattern then works as written. Recalculating is better when you like the fabric your swatch makes, but you must also adjust shaping, decreases and stitch repeats.
Why measure gauge on a blocked swatch?+
Many yarns relax, bloom or grow when washed — superwash wool and plant fibers especially. Measuring after washing and drying the swatch the way you will treat the finished piece gives the gauge you will actually wear.