Gauge from Swatch Calculator

How to use

1. Knit or crochet a swatch, lay it flat, and count the stitches and rows across a marked length (10 cm or 4 in is standard).
2. Enter the stitches you counted, the rows you counted, and the length you measured over — then pick centimetres or inches.
3. Read your gauge three ways: per 4 inches, per 10 cm, and per single inch, so it matches however your pattern states it.
4. Compare the per-4-in figure to your pattern gauge; if it differs, change needle size and swatch again.

Good to know

• Measure over the largest flat area you can and avoid the cast-on and edges — they distort. Counting over 10 cm rather than a single inch averages out small errors.
• Wash and block your swatch the way you will treat the finished piece before measuring — many yarns change gauge after blocking.
• The math is identical for crochet; count your stitches and rows the same way.

FAQ

How big should my swatch be?

Big enough to measure over 10 cm (4 in) well away from the edges — so at least 15 cm (6 in) square. Edge stitches curl and mislead, so never measure right to the border.

Why does the calculator give three different gauges?

Patterns state gauge differently — some per 4 inches, some per 10 cm, some per single inch. Showing all three means you can match whichever your pattern uses without converting.

My gauge does not match the pattern — what now?

If you have too many stitches per inch your fabric is too tight — go up a needle size. Too few and it is too loose — go down a size. Swatch again until the per-4-in figure matches.