Estimate how much yarn a project needs before you buy. Choose the project and size, the yarn weight and whether you knit or crochet, then enter the yardage on your yarn label to see how many skeins or balls to get.
Last updated:
Project
%
Extra for swatching, gauge differences and dye-lot safety.
Your yarn label
g
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Yarn Yardage Calculator
Choose your project and size, or pick Custom and enter the width and length of a flat piece.
Select knitting or crochet and the yarn weight on your label.
Set a safety margin (10% is a sensible default).
Enter the yards or metres per skein from the ball band to see how many skeins to buy.
Compare yarn weights in the table if you are still choosing a yarn.
How the estimate works
Each project starts from a typical worsted-weight, knitted requirement. That figure is scaled for your yarn weight (thinner yarn needs more length to cover the same area), for crochet, and for your safety margin:
For a custom piece the base is its area × about 0.57 yards per square inch (worsted stockinette). Skeins = yards ÷ yards per skein, rounded up. Example: an adult medium sweater (1,150 yd in worsted) knitted in DK (× 1.2) with a 10% margin needs 1,150 × 1.2 × 1.1 ≈ 1,518 yd, or 7 skeins of 250 yd.
Typical yardage by project (knitted)
Project
Fingering
DK
Worsted
Bulky
Adult hat
290
210
175
125
Socks (pair)
410
300
250
180
Scarf 8 × 60 in
495
360
300
215
Baby blanket 30 × 36 in
1,155
840
700
505
Throw 50 × 60 in
2,805
2,040
1,700
1,225
Adult sweater M
1,900
1,380
1,150
830
Values are rounded estimates before any safety margin. Add 10–15% when buying, and about 30% more for crochet.
Frequently asked questions
How much yarn do I need for a sweater?
An adult medium sweater (about 40 in chest) typically takes around 1,000–1,300 yards of worsted weight yarn, more in finer yarn and less in bulky yarn. Long sleeves, cables, length and positive ease all add yardage, so always check your pattern.
How many skeins do I need?
Divide the total yardage by the yards (or metres) printed on one skein and round up. For 1,265 yards of a 220-yard skein, buy 6 skeins. Buy all skeins from the same dye lot.
Does crochet use more yarn than knitting?
Yes. Crochet stitches are thicker and denser, so a crochet project typically uses about 25–35% more yarn than the same size knitted in stockinette. The calculator adds 30% for crochet.
How accurate is this yarn estimate?
It is a planning estimate based on typical pattern requirements, scaled by yarn weight. Your actual use depends on stitch pattern (cables and textured stitches use more), gauge, size and fit. When a pattern lists a yardage, trust the pattern.
How much yarn for a blanket?
In worsted weight, a 30 × 36 in baby blanket takes roughly 600–800 yards and a 50 × 60 in throw roughly 1,500–2,000 yards. For any size, use the Custom option: worsted stockinette uses about 0.5–0.65 yards per square inch.
What are yarn weight numbers?
The Craft Yarn Council numbers yarns from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). 1 is fingering or sock, 2 sport, 3 DK, 4 worsted and aran, 5 bulky and 6 super bulky. Thicker yarn covers more area per yard, so you need fewer yards.
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.