Knitting Gauge Calculator
Calculate your knitting gauge accurately for perfect projects
Made with ❤️ for Knitters
How to Use the Knitting Gauge Calculator
Welcome to the Knitting Gauge Calculator! This tool helps you calculate your knitting gauge accurately to ensure your finished project matches the size intended in the pattern.
Gauge (also called tension) is the number of stitches and rows per inch or centimeter. It shows how tightly or loosely you knit.
1. Select Your Measurement Unit
- ✔ Centimeters (cm) – for metric measurements
- ✔ Inches (in) – for imperial measurements
2. Enter Swatch Width
Measure the width of your swatch horizontally.
- Lay your swatch flat on a hard surface
- Place a ruler horizontally across the center
- Measure from left edge to right edge
- Avoid the edges while measuring—use the center area
Example: If your swatch is 15 cm wide, enter 15.
3. Enter Swatch Height
Measure the height of your swatch vertically.
- Place the ruler vertically along the center
- Measure from top to bottom
- Avoid the edges for accuracy
Example: If your swatch is 20 cm high, enter 20.
4. Enter Total Stitches
Count all stitches across the width you measured.
- Look at one row in the middle of your swatch
- Each “V” shape equals one stitch
- Count carefully from one edge to the other
- Use a pin to mark every 5th or 10th stitch so you don't lose track
Example: If you count 22 stitches, enter 22.
5. Enter Total Rows
Count all the rows along the height you measured.
- Look at one vertical column of stitches
- Each horizontal ridge or bump counts as one row
- This can be tricky—go slowly!
Example: If you count 30 rows, enter 30.
6. Calculate
Click the purple "Calculate Gauge" button.
Understanding Your Gauge Results
For Inches:
- Stitches per inch – number of stitches in 1 inch
- Rows per inch – number of rows in 1 inch
- Stitches per 4 inches – standard gauge measurement
- Rows per 4 inches – standard row gauge
For Centimeters:
- Stitches per cm – number of stitches in 1 cm
- Rows per cm – number of rows in 1 cm
- Stitches per 10 cm – standard gauge measurement
- Rows per 10 cm – standard row gauge
Accurate Stitch and Row Calculations
For the most accurate sizing, multiply your exact stitch and row gauge decimals by the desired measurement. Round only when beginning your cast-on or row count.
Example for Stitches:
- Stitch gauge: 6.7 stitches/inch
- Measurement: 20 inches
- Exact: 6.7 × 20 = 134 stitches
- Round up: 7 × 20 = 140 stitches (larger size)
- Round down: 6 × 20 = 120 stitches (smaller size)
Example for Rows:
- Row gauge: 8.4 rows/inch
- Length: 20 inches
- Exact: 8.4 × 20 = 168 rows
- Round up: 9 × 20 = 180 rows
- Round down: 8 × 20 = 160 rows
Accurate gauge measurement is the key to perfectly fitted garments. By understanding gauge calculations and rounding effects, you’ll knit confidently and achieve professional results.
Conclusion
Checking gauge may feel tedious, but it’s the difference between a beautifully fitting garment and a disappointing one. This calculator makes the math simple—you only need to measure carefully.
- ⏱ 30 minutes on a swatch saves hours of re-knitting
- Gauge varies between knitters—it's not about skill
- Matching gauge = perfect fit
- When unsure, swatch again!