Knitting Gauge Calculator
Adjust stitch and row counts when your gauge differs from the pattern.
About the Knitting Gauge Calculator
Enter the pattern's gauge (stitches and rows per 10 cm or 4 in), your own gauge from a swatch, and the pattern's stitch and row counts. The calculator gives the counts that give the same size at your gauge.
Gauge (tension) is stitches and rows per 10 cm (4 in). If you can't match it by changing needle size, scale the stitch and row counts by your gauge ÷ the pattern's gauge. Stitch patterns with set repeats may need rounding to a multiple of the repeat.
The formula
Your stitches = pattern stitches × your gauge ÷ pattern gauge
Worked example
Pattern gauge 22 sts × 30 rows; yours 20 sts × 28 rows
- Cast on 110 × 20 ÷ 22 = 100 stitches
- Work 150 × 28 ÷ 30 = 140 rows
- Unchanged, the piece would be 55 cm wide instead of 50
Questions people ask
Should I block my swatch?
Yes, wash and dry it as you will the finished item before measuring.
Change needles or numbers?
Changing needle size is easier for shaped patterns.