How do I estimate yarn yardage for a knitting project?

To estimate yarn yardage, you need to know the project dimensions, your gauge (stitches and rows per 10cm), and the yarn weight. The calculator uses the project area and yarn weight to estimate total grams needed, then converts to metres based on the yarn's meterage per gram. Always add 10-15% extra for swatching and mistakes.

Does yarn weight affect how much yarn I need?

Yes, significantly. Thinner yarns like lace and fingering produce lighter fabric that uses fewer grams per square centimetre, but each gram contains more metres. Thicker yarns like chunky and super bulky create heavier fabric, so you need more grams overall but each gram has fewer metres. The total meterage needed changes substantially between yarn weights.

Should I buy extra yarn beyond the calculated amount?

Always buy 10-15% more yarn than calculated. This covers gauge swatching, any mistakes requiring frogging, variations in personal tension, and ensures you have enough from the same dye lot. It is much easier to buy extra upfront than to find matching yarn later.

How accurate are yarn yardage estimates?

These estimates are based on average yarn consumption for plain stockinette or basic stitch patterns. Textured stitches like cables, bobbles, or slip stitch patterns will use more yarn. Lace patterns with yarn overs may use slightly less. For the most accurate estimate, knit a measured swatch and weigh it to determine your personal yarn consumption rate.

Yarn Yardage Calculator — Estimate Yarn for Any Project

Calculate total yarn yardage needed for your knitting or crochet project based on dimensions, gauge, and yarn weight.

Project Width

Finished width of the project

Project Length

Finished length of the project

Yarn Weight

Select your yarn weight category

Ball Size

Weight per ball (25g, 50g, or 100g)

Stitch Gauge (per 10cm)

Stitches per 10cm from your swatch

Row Gauge (per 10cm)

Rows per 10cm from your swatch

Price Per Ball (optional)

Enter price per ball for a cost estimate

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates yarn yardage by calculating the fabric area and applying standard grams-per-square-centimetre values for each yarn weight category.

The formula

Total grams = Project width (cm) x Project length (cm) x Grams per cm²

Total metres = Total grams x Metres per gram (based on yarn weight)

Balls needed = Total metres / Metres per ball

Typical grams per cm² by weight

Lace: 0.008 g/cm²
Fingering / 4-ply: 0.015 g/cm²
DK / 8-ply: 0.028 g/cm²
Aran / 10-ply: 0.040 g/cm²
Chunky / 12-ply: 0.060 g/cm²

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.