Yarn Calculator: Calculate Yarn Amounts
Calculate the right yarn amount for your projects – from yarn substitution to finding out how many meters and skeins you need.
Why Use a Yarn Calculator?
A yarn calculator is an indispensable tool for all knitters. Whether you want to substitute the yarn in a pattern, or just want to make sure you buy enough yarn, the calculator helps you determine the exact amount. It's one of several free knitting calculators available here on Knittingtips.
Many knitters have experienced running out of yarn in the middle of a project, or buying too many skeins that went unused. With our free yarn calculators, you avoid these problems by basing calculations on meters instead of just grams.
Our Yarn Calculators
Choose the calculator that fits your needs
Yarn Substitution Calculator
Calculate exactly how many skeins you need when substituting one yarn for another. Perfect when the pattern uses a yarn you can't find.
- Compare yardages
- Get exact skein count
- Avoid yarn shortage
Yardage Calculator
Calculate the total meters of yarn based on weight and yardage. Find out how much yarn your project requires in meters.
- Grams to meters
- Meters to grams
- Plan your purchase
Gauge Calculator
Compare your gauge with the pattern and get needle size recommendations to achieve the correct size.
- Stitch calculation
- Needle recommendation
- Size adjustment
How to Calculate Yarn Amount
Find the Yardage
Yardage is the key to all yarn calculations. You can find this on the yarn label, usually listed as e.g. "150m/50g". This means there are 150 meters of yarn in a skein weighing 50 grams.
Calculate Total Need in Meters
If the pattern says you need 400 grams of yarn with yardage 150m/50g, that means you need a total of: (400g ÷ 50g) × 150m = 1200 meters of yarn.
Use the Yarn Calculator for Accurate Calculations
When you want to substitute with a different yarn, use our yarn substitution calculator. Enter the yardage for both the original yarn and your chosen alternative, and the calculator automatically determines how many skeins you need.
Pro Tip
Always buy one extra skein when calculating yarn amounts. It's better to have a little yarn left over than to run out in the middle of a project. Most yarn stores allow you to return unopened skeins.
Yarn Weight Groups & Standard Yardage
Use this chart as a reference when calculating yarn amounts or substituting yarn. Yardage is listed per 50 grams.
| Yarn Weight Group | Gauge (per 10 cm / 4") | Standard Yardage (per 50g) | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 32-40 sts per 10 cm | ~420 m | Rowan Kidsilk Haze |
| Fingering | 28-32 sts per 10 cm | ~200 - 201 m | Cascade Yarns Heritage, West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4 Ply, Malabrigo Sock |
| Sport | 24-26 sts per 10 cm | ~150 m | Cascade Yarns 220 Sport |
| DK | 21-24 sts per 10 cm | ~125 - 164 m | Paintbox Yarns Simply DK, Sirdar Snuggly DK, Lion Brand Wool-Ease DK, Stylecraft Special DK |
| Worsted | 16-20 sts per 10 cm | ~77 - 101 m | Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted, Cascade Yarns 220, Red Heart Super Saver, Malabrigo Worsted |
| Bulky | 12-15 sts per 10 cm | ~50 m | Cascade Yarns 220 Grande |
| Super Bulky | 7-11 sts per 10 cm | ~29 m | Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick |
See the full overview of popular yarn brands in the US and UK for fiber content, needle size and price range for each product.
Yarn Substitution Checklist
- Gauge: The most critical factor is that the substituted yarn can achieve the exact gauge required by the pattern. Always knit a swatch first!
- Yardage: Always calculate yarn requirements in total meters/yards, not grams. Two different yarns of the same weight can have completely different lengths.
- Fiber Content & Drape: Fiber composition dictates drape and elasticity. Swapping wool with inelastic cotton or linen can radically change the garment's shape and behavior.
- Yarn Volume & Density: Airy yarns (like brushed alpaca or mohair) weigh very little but occupy significant volume. They require fewer grams than dense, tightly spun yarns.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yarn Calculator
How to calculate yarn amount?
To calculate yarn amount, you need the yardage (meters per 50g/100g) and the total grams specified in the pattern. The formula is (Specified grams / 50g) x yardage = total meters of yarn needed. Our yarn calculator does this calculation automatically for you.
How do I use a yarn calculator?
A yarn calculator helps you determine the right amount of yarn for your project. Enter the yardage (meters per skein) and weight, and the calculator will determine how much yarn you need.
What's the difference between a yarn substitution calculator and a yardage calculator?
A yarn substitution calculator determines how many skeins you need when switching to a different yarn with different yardage. A yardage calculator converts between weight and length based on the yarn's specifications.
Why is yardage important when calculating yarn amounts?
Yardage tells you how many meters of yarn there are per 50 or 100 grams. Even if two yarns have the same weight, they can have completely different lengths – and it's the length that determines if you have enough yarn for your project.
Can I use the yarn calculator for all yarn types?
Yes! The yarn calculator works for all yarn types as long as you know the yardage. You can find this information on the yarn label, usually listed as meters per 50g or 100g.
Is there a yarn calculator for days/meters?
A standard yarn calculator determines yarn amount based on length and weight, not time. If you want to track your progress in days or meters knitted per day, you can use our knitting journal and row counter to log your progress along the way.