Gauge calculator

Measure a swatch or type the numbers you know — get your stitches and rows per 10 cm.

Gauge

Stitches per 10 cm required
Rows per 10 cm required

Your gauge

—stitches per 10 cm
—rows per 10 cm

Enter your stitches and rows, or measure a swatch — your gauge appears here.

Why gauge matters

  • Two stitches per 10 cm off is a full size on a sweater.
  • Every stitch and row count in a pattern is derived from it.
  • It also tells you how much yarn you will need.

How to measure your swatch

  • Cast on 4–6 extra stitches and knit 4–6 extra rows before measuring.
  • Measure in the centre of the swatch — edges distort.
  • Relax the swatch the way the garment will live: soak it 20–30 minutes in room-temperature water, squeeze in a towel without wringing, dry flat without stretching, and measure only once it is completely dry.
  • Never measure on the machine or straight off it — the weights stretch the fabric lengthwise. Use the same yarn, the same number of strands and the same tension as the project.

Tired of counting by hand? A Knitticate pattern does all of this for you, from your own measurements.

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