Maker and DIY Calculators

Knitting gauge calculator.

Knit a swatch, count the stitches and rows over a measured width, and turn any size you want into stitches to cast on and rows to knit. It also shows what happens to a pattern if your gauge is off.

Cast-on = width x (swatch stitches / swatch width). At 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm, a 50 cm wide piece is 100 stitches, and 60 cm tall is 168 rows.

Gauge and size

Units Used for labels only. Just keep every measurement in the same unit.

Swatch stitches Stitches you counted across the swatch width below.

Swatch rows (optional) Rows you counted over the same measurement.

Measured over Swatch width, for example 10 cm or 4 in. Gauge is stated over 10 cm or 4 in.

Finished width you want

Finished height you want (optional)

Stitch pattern multiple (optional) For ribbing or lace, for example 4 if the pattern is a multiple of 4 + 2.

Plus extra stitches (optional) The "+ 2" in "multiple of 4 + 2", for edge or seam stitches.

If your gauge differs from the pattern

Pattern gauge: stitches Stitches the pattern calls for over the same width.

Your gauge: stitches Stitches you got over that width. Leave blank to skip.

Pattern size A measurement from the pattern, such as chest or width.

Stitches and rows

Fill the form and press Calculate.

Worked example

Your swatch has 20 stitches and 28 rows over 10 cm, which is 2 stitches and 2.8 rows per cm. For a piece 50 cm wide and 60 cm tall: 50 x 2 = 100 stitches to cast on and 60 x 2.8 = 168 rows. If the stitch pattern is a multiple of 8 + 2, the nearest valid cast-on is 98 (12 x 8 + 2) stitches, which gives a width of 49 cm.

Different gauge: a pattern wants 22 stitches over 10 cm and you knit 20. Your fabric is 22 / 20 = 1.1 times as wide, so a 100 cm chest comes out 110 cm, 10% bigger.

How it works

Gauge is stitches (and rows) per unit width. Divide your swatch stitches by the width they cover to get stitches per unit, then multiply by the finished width. Rows work the same way with your row count. A pattern multiple is rounded to the nearest valid stitch count, so the width can be slightly off the target.

For comparing gauges, finished size scales as pattern stitches / your stitches, if you cast on the pattern's stitch count. Count over a swatch at least 15 cm (6 in) wide, using the middle 10 cm (4 in), measure it after washing and blocking the way you will treat the finished piece, and measure in the centre, not the edges. Crochet gauge works the same way, using stitches and rows (or rounds) per measurement.

Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-05): gauge as stitches and rows over 10 cm or 4 in, as described by the Craft Yarn Council; the calculation is proportional arithmetic.

FAQ

How do I calculate how many stitches to cast on?

Divide the number of stitches in your swatch by its width, then multiply by the width you want. 20 stitches over 10 cm is 2 stitches per cm, so 50 cm is 100 stitches.

What if my gauge does not match the pattern?

Your finished size changes by the ratio of pattern stitches to your stitches. Change needle size to match gauge, or recalculate the cast-on from your own gauge.

How big should a gauge swatch be?

At least 15 cm (6 in) wide so you can count over the middle 10 cm (4 in). Wash and block it the way you will care for the piece.

What does a multiple of 4 plus 2 mean?

The stitch pattern repeats every 4 stitches and needs 2 extra stitches, such as for edges. Valid cast-on counts are 6, 10, 14, 18 and so on. Enter 4 and 2 and the tool rounds to the nearest one.

Does this work for crochet?

Yes. Count stitches and rows over a measured width the same way, and the cast-on becomes your foundation chain.

Disclaimer

Arithmetic from your swatch. Gauge changes with tension, needles, yarn and blocking, and it varies between stitch patterns, so swatch in the stitch you will use.