Gauge Calculator - Perfect Your Knitting Measurements
Calculate your knitting gauge, convert between different measurements, and determine exact stitch counts for perfect project sizing.
Calculate Your Gauge
Measure your gauge swatch to determine stitches and rows per inch
Gauge Swatch Tips
• Knit a 4x4 inch swatch minimum
• Use same yarn and needles as project
• Block swatch before measuring
• Measure in the center of swatch
• Count partial stitches as decimals
Complete Guide to Knitting Gauge
Critical: Gauge is the most important measurement in knitting. Even a 0.5 stitch difference can result in a garment that's several inches too big or small!
How to Measure Gauge
Step 1: Knit a Swatch
- • Cast on at least 30 stitches
- • Knit at least 4 inches in pattern
- • Use same yarn and needles as project
- • Knit in the same stitch pattern
Step 2: Block Your Swatch
- • Wet block or steam block as appropriate
- • Let dry completely
- • This shows true finished gauge
Step 3: Measure Accurately
- • Use a ruler or gauge tool
- • Measure in the center of swatch
- • Count stitches over 4 inches
- • Divide by 4 for stitches per inch
Troubleshooting Gauge Issues
Too Many Stitches Per Inch?
- • Your knitting is too tight
- • Try larger needles
- • Relax your tension
- • Go up 1-2 needle sizes
Too Few Stitches Per Inch?
- • Your knitting is too loose
- • Try smaller needles
- • Tighten your tension slightly
- • Go down 1-2 needle sizes
Still Can't Match Gauge?
- • Consider a different yarn
- • Recalculate pattern for your gauge
- • Use our gauge conversion tool
Gauge for Different Stitch Patterns
Stockinette Stitch
Standard gauge measurement - most patterns use this
Garter Stitch
Usually wider than stockinette - measure separately
Ribbing
Pulls in significantly - measure unstretched
Cables
Pull fabric in - measure over cable pattern repeat
Lace
Must be blocked to open up - measure after blocking
Standard Gauge Ranges
Lace Weight (0)8-10 sts/inch
Fingering (1)7-8 sts/inch
Sport (2)6-6.5 sts/inch
DK (3)5.5-6 sts/inch
Worsted (4)4-5 sts/inch
Bulky (5)3-4 sts/inch
Super Bulky (6)1.5-3 sts/inch