What is ease in knitting?

Ease is the difference between your body measurement and the finished garment measurement. Positive ease means the garment is larger than your body (looser fit). Negative ease means the garment is smaller (stretchy, close fit). Zero ease means the garment matches your body measurement exactly.

How much ease should I choose?

It depends on the garment style and your preference. Fitted tops: 0 to +5cm. Standard jumpers: +5 to +10cm. Relaxed cardigans: +10 to +15cm. Oversized styles: +15 to +25cm. Stretch fabrics like ribbing can use negative ease. Always consider the yarn's stretch and drape.

Do I measure ease at the chest only?

Chest ease is the most commonly specified, but ease applies to all measurements. Sleeve ease is typically less than body ease. Hip ease may need to be different from chest ease depending on body proportions. Many patterns only specify chest ease and let other measurements follow proportionally.

KnitCalcs

Ease Calculator — Garment Fit from Body Measurements

Calculate the finished garment size by adding positive or negative ease to your body measurements.

Body Measurement

Actual body circumference

Ease Type

How We Calculate This

This calculator adds the selected ease amount to your body measurement to give the finished garment size.

The formula

Finished size = Body measurement + Ease amount

Ease percentage = (Ease amount / Body measurement) x 100

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard yarn weights and gauge. Results may vary with individual tension, yarn brand, and needle size.