Yarn Unit Converter

How to use

1. Pick a direction for the length converter — yd → m if your label is in yards, or m → yd if you need the reverse.
2. Enter the length shown on the yarn label or in the pattern and read the converted figure below.
3. Do the same in the weight converter, choosing g → oz or oz → g depending on which unit you already have.
4. Use both results together to compare a US-labelled skein (yards, ounces) against a pattern written in metric (metres, grams), or the other way round.

Good to know

• US yarn labels usually list length in yards and weight in ounces, while UK and European labels use metres and grams — the two systems are mixed constantly, especially with imported yarn.
• Length and weight convert independently: a skein's total length and total weight are two separate figures, so switch each converter to the direction that matches what you are reading.
• Results are rounded to one decimal place, which is precise enough for buying yarn or checking you have enough for a project — always buy one extra skein of hand-dyed or discontinued yarn as a safety margin.
• Worked example: a skein labelled 3.5 oz converts to 99.2 g — handy for checking a US ball band against a pattern or scale reading in metric.

FAQ

Why do some yarn labels show yards and ounces, others metres and grams?

It comes down to the country the yarn was labelled in. US brands traditionally use yards and ounces; UK, European and many other brands use metres and grams. Many labels now print both, but plenty of older or imported yarn only lists one system.

How many metres are in a yard?

One yard is exactly 0.9144 metres, so 100 yards converts to 91.4 metres — the calculator applies this exact ratio and rounds to one decimal place.

How many grams are in an ounce?

One ounce is exactly 28.3495 grams, so 100 grams converts to about 3.5 ounces. This is the standard avoirdupois ounce used on yarn and food labels.

Can I convert a whole ball's length and weight at once?

Convert them one at a time using the two separate converters on this page — length (yards/metres) and weight (grams/ounces) are independent measurements of the same skein, so each needs its own conversion.

How do I get yards from grams (or grams from yards)?

This one is not a unit conversion — grams measure weight and yards measure length, so you cannot turn one into the other without knowing how many yards that yarn packs per gram. That figure comes from the ball band (for example 100 g = 220 yd), or from the yarn's page on the brand site or Ravelry, since it varies by fibre. Once you have it, the Yarn Remaining calculator turns a partial ball's weight into the yards left.