Swatch arithmetic
Knitting gauge calculator
Count stitches and rows across a swatch you measured, then see the rate per 4 inches and per 10 cm. If the pattern prints a target, the difference is shown too. This does not tell you to change needle size.
How to use this calculator
- Measure a blocked swatch. Count stitches across a width you can measure, and rows down a height you can measure.
- Read the rate. Stitches per 4 in = counted stitches ÷ width in inches × 4. The same count is also shown per 10 cm.
- Compare the pattern. If you type the pattern’s stitches per 4 in, the page subtracts that target from your swatch rate.
Worked example
22 stitches over 4 inches is 22 stitches per 4 in, or about 21.7 stitches per 10 cm. A pattern target of 20 stitches per 4 in is 2 stitches fewer than this swatch.
Common questions
Does this pick a needle size?
No. It only converts the swatch you measured. If the fabric is tighter or looser than the pattern, change needle size and knit another swatch.
Which conversion is used?
1 inch = 2.54 cm. Per-4-inch and per-10-cm rates are the same measurement written two ways.
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