Count the stitches and rows on your swatch and enter what you measured. You get your gauge per 4 inches and per 10 cm, how many stitches to cast on for any width, and how to adjust a pattern's stitch count when your gauge does not match.
Last updated:
Measure in
Your swatch
sts
rows
What you want to knit
Width of the piece, e.g. half a sweater's chest.
2 for 1×1 rib, 4 for 2×2 rib, or your stitch-pattern repeat.
sts
Pattern resize (optional)
Stitches per 4 in / 10 cm given in the pattern.
sts
Rows per 4 in / 10 cm given in the pattern.
rows
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Knitting Gauge Calculator
Knit 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.
Count stitches and rows over a measured section in the middle, and enter the counts and the width and height you measured.
Enter the width and length you want to knit, and a rounding multiple if you need ribbing or a stitch repeat.
Add the pattern gauge and stitch count to see whether you match and how to adjust.
Use the cast-on number or the table, or copy the results to your notes.
Knitting gauge formulas
Stitch gauge = stitches counted ÷ width measured (sts per inch or per cm); multiply by 4 or 10 for the usual pattern format
Row gauge = rows counted ÷ height measured
Cast on = target width × stitches per unit, rounded to your stitch multiple, plus edge stitches
Example: 20 stitches over 4 in is 5 sts/in. For a 20 in wide sweater front, cast on 20 × 5 = 100 stitches. If the pattern was written at 22 sts per 4 in and calls for 110 stitches, the same 110 stitches at your gauge would measure 22 in, 10% too wide.
Typical gauge by yarn weight
Standard stockinette ranges (Craft Yarn Council categories). Your gauge depends on needle size, yarn and tension, so always swatch.
Yarn weight
Sts per 4 in / 10 cm
Typical needle
0 Lace
33–40
1.5–2.25 mm (US 000–1)
1 Super fine (fingering, sock)
27–32
2.25–3.25 mm (US 1–3)
2 Fine (sport)
23–26
3.25–3.75 mm (US 3–5)
3 Light (DK)
21–24
3.75–4.5 mm (US 5–7)
4 Medium (worsted, aran)
16–20
4.5–5.5 mm (US 7–9)
5 Bulky (chunky)
12–15
5.5–8 mm (US 9–11)
6 Super bulky
7–11
8–12.75 mm (US 11–17)
7 Jumbo
6 and fewer
12.75 mm and larger
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate knitting gauge?
Divide the number of stitches you counted by the width you measured. 20 stitches over 4 inches is 5 stitches per inch, or 20 stitches per 4 inches. Do the same with rows and height for row gauge. Patterns usually give gauge per 4 in or per 10 cm.
How many stitches should I cast on?
Multiply the width you want by your stitches per inch (or per cm). At 5 sts per inch, a 20 in wide piece needs 20 × 5 = 100 stitches. Round to your rib or stitch-pattern multiple and add any selvage stitches.
What if my gauge does not match the pattern?
If you have fewer stitches than the pattern, your knitting is looser and will come out bigger, so try a smaller needle. If you have more stitches, try a larger needle. If you prefer your fabric, multiply the pattern's stitch counts by your gauge ÷ the pattern gauge instead.
How do I resize a pattern to my gauge?
New stitch count = pattern stitch count × your gauge ÷ pattern gauge. For a 110-stitch piece written at 22 sts per 4 in, knitting at 20 sts per 4 in needs 110 × 20 ÷ 22 = 100 stitches. Shaping rates and stitch repeats may need adjusting too.
Is 4 inches the same as 10 cm for gauge?
Almost. 4 inches is 10.16 cm, so a gauge per 4 in is about 1.6% larger than the same gauge per 10 cm. Patterns treat them as interchangeable; this calculator converts exactly.
Why should I wash my swatch before measuring?
Many yarns relax, bloom or shrink when washed, which changes the gauge. Measuring a swatch washed and dried like the finished garment gives a much more reliable stitch count.
Does this work for crochet?
Yes. Gauge in crochet works the same way: count stitches and rows over a measured width and height, and the calculator gives the foundation stitches and rows you need.
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.