Knitting guide
Knitting Gauge Calculation: Stitch Counts and Pattern Conversion
Use a swatch to calculate target stitch and row counts, then convert numbers from a pattern written for a different gauge.
Gauge calculations need counts, measured lengths and a target size. The knitting gauge calculator calculates stitches and rows for your dimensions or converts pattern numbers to your own gauge.
Enter the length you actually measured
Make a swatch with your intended yarn, needles and stitch pattern, then prepare it using the washing and drying method intended for the finished work. Count stitches and rows away from the edges and measure those sections.
You do not have to measure exactly 10cm or 4 inches. If 20 stitches span 8cm, enter 8cm as the measured width. Calling it a 10cm gauge would change the calculation.
Calculate counts for a target size
- Stitches needed = swatch stitches ÷ measured width × target width
- Rows needed = swatch rows ÷ measured height × target height
A swatch measuring 22 stitches and 30 rows per 10cm needs 110 stitches and 120 rows for a 50cm-wide, 40cm-high section. Counts are rounded to whole numbers. If you specify a stitch repeat, review both the adjusted count and the width it produces.
Convert a pattern to your gauge
Suppose the pattern has 20 stitches per 10cm and your swatch has 22. To keep the 50cm width made by the pattern’s 100 stitches, calculate 100 × 22 ÷ 20 = 110 stitches. Compare row gauges separately to convert row counts.
This conversion matches the dimensions of that section. It does not redesign an entire garment’s sleeves, neckline, armholes or shaping. Review each section and stitch repeat.
Check repeats and units
For a four-stitch repeat plus two edge stitches, use a count of a multiple of 4 + 2. A count of 110 fits. For other conversion results, compare the adjacent compatible counts and their actual widths.
One inch is 2.54cm, so four inches is 10.16cm, not 10cm. The calculator’s unit toggle preserves physical lengths. Pattern reference counts are converted to the selected reference length as well.
For shaping a sleeve across several rows, see increase and decrease spacing. For picture charts, see colorwork chart gauge settings.