Estimate how many yards (or metres) of yarn your project needs, and how many skeins to buy. Pick a project, a size and a yarn weight.
Estimate your yarn
These are rough estimates. Stitch pattern, tension and hook size all change the real amount.
How it works
Three steps, a few seconds.
Pick your project
Choose a project, a size and the yarn weight you plan to use.
Press Estimate
The calculator scales a typical yardage to your yarn weight and adds a safety margin.
Buy with confidence
See the yards, metres and the number of skeins to buy.
How the estimate works
The calculator starts from a typical amount of worsted-weight yarn for the project and size you pick, then adjusts it for the yarn weight. Thinner yarn needs more yards to cover the same area, and thicker yarn needs fewer. It then adds the extra percentage you choose and divides by the yards in one skein to give you a skein count.
Getting a closer number
For the most accurate answer, check the yardage recommended in your pattern, which is based on that exact design. Dense stitches, such as single crochet, use more yarn than open or lacy stitches. Larger hooks use less yarn per row. If you are unsure, buy a little extra from the same dye lot, because colours can differ slightly between batches.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra yarn should I buy?
Around 10% extra is a common safety margin. Buy more if you are making a large project or a stitch pattern that uses a lot of yarn.
Does it work in metres?
The calculator works in yards and shows the metre equivalent next to the result. Enter the skein length in yards, or convert it first (1 metre is about 1.094 yards).
Why is my real yarn use different?
Tension, hook size, stitch pattern and project shape all change the amount. Treat the result as a starting point and check it against your pattern.
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