Knitting gauge calculator
Enter stitches counted and measured swatch width, then choose a target width. The calculator scales your measured gauge proportionally.
Estimate stitches across a width
Enter the stitches counted across a swatch and its measured width. The calculator scales your measured gauge to the target width.
This is a proportional estimate, not a pattern instruction. Read about aran yarn or DK yarn weight.
Formula and unit handling
The estimate is stitches counted ÷ swatch width × target width. Widths are converted using 1 inch = 2.54 cm. CYC gauge is stated per 4 inches; 4 inches equals 10.16 cm, not exactly 10 cm.
The estimate assumes your swatch represents the fabric you will knit. It does not account for washing, blocking, stitch pattern, edge stitches or changed tension. Follow the pattern gauge and swatch before sizing a fitted item.
Published gauge intervals
| CYC category | Stitches per 4 in |
|---|---|
| Lace (0) | 33–40 |
| Super Fine (1) | 27–32 |
| Fine (2) | 23–26 |
| Light (3) | 21–24 |
| Medium (4) | 16–20 |
| Bulky (5) | 12–15 |
| Super Bulky (6) | 7–11 |
| Jumbo (7) | 6 or fewer |
Where the ranges overlap
Fine (23–26) and Light (21–24) share 23–24 stitches per 4 inches. At 24, both guidelines match. This describes published ranges, not measured knitter outcomes; fiber, tension and pattern gauge matter.
Craft Yarn Council Yarn Weight System. Source: Craft Yarn Council's www.YarnStandards.com Source checked September 28, 2026.
Compare needle ranges with the needle/yarn converter or consult the full beginner needle chart.