Gauge Calculator
Turn a measured gauge into a cast-on stitch count and a row count for a target width and length. Measure gauge on a washed and blocked swatch over the standard area, since the finished count depends entirely on your yarn, needle or hook, stitch, and hands.
The standard swatch area is 10 cm, which is close to 4 inches. Enter the gauge from your own blocked swatch, not the ball-band estimate, whenever a fit matters.
Cast on
100 stitches
168 rows for the length
That is 5.1 stitches per inch and 7.1 rows per inch.
Before you cast on
This count is straight arithmetic from your numbers. It does not add a stitch-pattern multiple or repeat, selvedge or edge stitches, seam allowance, negative or positive ease, or any change from blocking. It assumes an even fabric with no shaping.
Round to the multiple your stitch pattern needs, add edge stitches, and decide ease against a body or garment measurement before you commit.
How to measure and match gauge properly →
Gauge standard: Craft Yarn Council, Standard Yarn Weight System
Gauge and cast-on FAQ
How do I calculate how many stitches to cast on?
Divide your gauge stitches by the gauge width to get stitches per centimetre or inch, then multiply by the target width. For example, 20 stitches over 10 cm is 2 stitches per cm, so a 50 cm width needs about 100 stitches. Round to your stitch-pattern multiple and add edge stitches.
What is gauge, also called tension?
Gauge, called tension in UK patterns, is the number of stitches and rows in a measured area of your knitted or crocheted fabric, usually 10 cm or 4 inches. It depends on the yarn, needle or hook size, stitch, and the individual maker, so two people rarely match on the same tools.
How do I measure gauge?
Work a swatch larger than the measured area in the project stitch, wash and block it the way you will treat the finished piece, lay it flat, and count stitches and rows across the middle over 10 cm or 4 inches. Measure away from the edges and average a couple of counts.
My gauge does not match the pattern. What happens?
More stitches per unit than the pattern means your fabric and finished piece will be smaller; fewer stitches means larger. Change needle or hook size and re-swatch until the stitch gauge matches, since stitch gauge usually drives width and fit more than row gauge.
Does gauge really matter?
For anything fitted or size-specific, yes. A small gauge difference multiplies across a whole garment, so a fraction of a stitch per inch can add or remove several centimetres. For a scarf or blanket where exact size is flexible it matters less, but it still changes how much yarn you use.