Yarn Calculator
Enter your project dimensions, stitch gauge and yarn yardage per skein to estimate how many skeins of yarn you'll need.
Yarn Calculator
Estimate yarn needed for a project
Estimated yarn = total area × yarn per unit area, converted to skeins based on yardage per skein. Add 10–20% for swatching, mistakes and color changes.
How Yarn Estimation Works
Yarn needed depends on project size, stitch gauge and yarn thickness:
1. Project area = width × length (square inches) 2. Yarn per square inch depends on gauge — tighter gauge (more stitches per inch) uses more yarn 3. Total yarn = area × yarn per square inch 4. Skeins = total yarn ÷ yardage per skein, rounded up
**Add 10–20% extra** for swatching, mistakes, color changes and tension differences. It's better to have leftover yarn than to run out mid-project — dye lots can vary between purchases.
- Area = width × length
- Tighter gauge uses more yarn
- Round skeins up to whole number
- Add 10–20% extra for safety
Worked Example
Example: 40″ × 60″ scarf, gauge 20 stitches/4in, 200 yards/skein.
- Area = 40 × 60 = 2,400 sq in - Rough estimate: ~0.05 yards per sq in → ~120 yards - Skeins = 120 ÷ 200 = 0.6 → 1 skein - With 15% extra: ~138 yards → still 1 skein
A larger project like a 50″ × 70″ blanket at the same gauge might need ~1,000+ yards → 5+ skeins.
Related Calculators
Subwoofer Box Calculator
Calculate enclosure volume, tuning frequency, and port size for subwoofer boxes.
Open calculator →Thread Calculator
Determine thread size, needle type, and tension settings for sewing projects.
Open calculator →Circle Skirt Calculator
Waist radius and fabric size for a full, half or quarter circle skirt.
Open calculator →Fabric Calculator
Yards of fabric needed for a number of cut pieces.
Open calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Why add extra yarn?
Tension varies between knitters, you need yarn for swatching, mistakes happen, and dye lots differ between purchases. Extra ensures you can finish the project with matching yarn.
Does this work for crochet?
Yes. Crochet typically uses more yarn than knitting for the same project, so consider adding more extra (20%+) if crocheting.
Looking for a different calculator?
CalculatorPlus has free tools across finance, construction, math, health and more — each one showing the formula and a worked example.