Plan a granny square blanket before you start hooking. Pick a blanket size, enter your square size, joining method and border, and get the number of squares as rows × columns, the real finished size and an estimate of the yarn and skeins you need.
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Units
Blanket and squares
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Yarn
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Weigh or unravel one finished square for the best estimate.
m
Weigh or unravel one finished square for the best estimate.
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Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Granny Square Blanket Calculator
Choose the blanket size or enter your own width and length.
Enter your square size after blocking: measure a finished square edge to edge.
Pick the joining method and border width.
Read the squares needed, the grid and the finished size.
For a better yarn estimate, enter how much yarn one of your squares used.
How the squares are counted
Space for squares = target size − 2 × border width
Example: a 50 × 60 in throw with a 1 in border leaves 48 × 58 in. With 6 in squares and 1/4 in seams: columns = 48.25 ÷ 6.25 = 7.7 → 8, rows = 58.25 ÷ 6.25 = 9.3 → 9, so 72 squares and a finished size of 51.75 × 58 in.
Granny squares per blanket size (no border, thin joins)
Blanket
Size
4 in squares
6 in squares
8 in squares
12 in squares
Baby
30 × 36 in
8 × 9 = 72
5 × 6 = 30
4 × 5 = 20
3 × 3 = 9
Throw
50 × 60 in
13 × 15 = 195
8 × 10 = 80
6 × 8 = 48
4 × 5 = 20
Twin
66 × 90 in
17 × 23 = 391
11 × 15 = 165
8 × 11 = 88
6 × 8 = 48
Full
80 × 90 in
20 × 23 = 460
13 × 15 = 195
10 × 11 = 110
7 × 8 = 56
Queen
90 × 100 in
23 × 25 = 575
15 × 17 = 255
11 × 13 = 143
8 × 8 = 64
King
108 × 100 in
27 × 25 = 675
18 × 17 = 306
14 × 13 = 182
9 × 8 = 72
Counts are the closest whole number of squares to each size. Bed blanket sizes vary; measure the bed and decide how much drop you want over the sides.
Tips for granny square blankets
Block every square to the same size before joining; small differences add up across a row.
Weave in ends as you finish each square so the final assembly is not a chore.
Lay out all squares on the floor and take a photo before joining to check the color balance.
Yarn amounts here are estimates. Buy all of the main joining and border color at once so the dye lot matches.
Frequently asked questions
How many granny squares do I need for a blanket?
Divide the blanket width by the square size for the number of columns and the length by the square size for the number of rows, then multiply. A 50 × 60 in throw with a 1 in border and 6 in squares joined with about 1/4 in seams needs 8 columns × 9 rows = 72 squares.
How many granny squares for a baby blanket?
A 30 × 36 in baby blanket takes about 72 squares of 4 in (8 × 9), 42 of 5 in (6 × 7) or 30 of 6 in (5 × 6) with thin joins and no border. With a 1 in border and 1/4 in seams those drop to about 56, 35 and 25 squares.
How do joins and borders change the size?
Each seam between squares adds its width once, so a blanket with 8 columns has 7 vertical seams. A border adds its width on both sides. The calculator subtracts the border from the target first, then fits squares and seams into what is left.
How much yarn does a granny square use?
It depends on yarn weight, hook size and the number of rounds. As a rough guide, a 6 in granny square in worsted weight uses about 25–30 yd. For an accurate total, make one square, weigh it on a kitchen scale and convert using the yarn label, or unravel it and measure.
What size should a granny square be?
Any size works. Small squares (3–4 in) make a detailed, scrappy look but mean many more ends and seams; large squares (8–12 in) go together quickly. Make all squares the same size by blocking them before joining.
Which joining method should I choose?
Whip stitch and slip stitch joins are nearly invisible and add almost no width. A single crochet seam gives a raised ridge, join-as-you-go connects squares during the last round, and flat braid joins add a decorative band of about 1/2 in.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.