Cast On Calculator
From "I want it 50cm wide" to the exact number of stitches to cast on.
Cast on 110 sts
Exact count: 110.0 sts
How to use
- Measure your gauge: count the stitches across 10cm (or 4in) of your swatch in the stitch pattern you will use.
- Enter the finished width you want, your gauge stitches, and the width you measured them over.
- If your stitch pattern repeats (e.g. "multiple of 4 + 2"), fill in the repeat fields and the result is rounded to the nearest valid count.
- Cast on the number shown — the exact (unrounded) count is displayed underneath so you can see how much rounding happened.
Good to know
- Always swatch in the actual stitch pattern — ribbing, cables and lace pull in or spread out compared to stocking stitch.
- Blocking changes gauge. If you will block the finished piece, measure your swatch after washing and blocking it the same way.
- For garments, check whether your target width already includes ease; this calculator converts width to stitches and does not add ease for you.
FAQ
- What is a pattern repeat and why round to it?
- Many stitch patterns only work over certain counts, written as "multiple of N + E" — e.g. K2, P2 rib needs a multiple of 4 (+2 for symmetric edges). Rounding to a valid count keeps the pattern intact across the row.
- My gauge is in stitches per inch. Can I use it?
- Yes — switch the unit to inches. Enter your width in inches and your gauge as stitches over 4in (or over 1in with gauge width 1).
- Does this work for crochet?
- Yes. Swatch in your crochet stitch, count stitches over 10cm, and the math is identical — the result is your starting chain's working-stitch count.
- How accurate is the result?
- As accurate as your swatch. A relaxed, blocked swatch of at least 15cm square gives the most trustworthy gauge; small unblocked swatches often read tighter than your real fabric.