Yarn Yardage Calculator

Yarn yardage is the total length of yarn needed to complete a knitting or crochet project. Because yarn is sold by weight, not length, you must know the yards-per-gram (or yards-per-ounce) of your specific yarn to buy the right amount.

Core formula: Yards Needed = Pattern Yardage Requirement × (Project Size ÷ Pattern Size)

Yardage from weight formula: Yards per gram = Label Yardage ÷ Skein Weight in grams Yards in your skein = Skeins Purchased × Label Yardage per Skein

Weight-based conversion: Grams needed = Yards Needed ÷ Yards per gram Skeins needed = Grams Needed ÷ Grams per Skein (round UP)

Where:

• Pattern Yardage — listed in the pattern; if not listed, use weight category reference below
• Project Size Adjustment — scale up or down if your gauge differs from the pattern, or if making a larger/smaller size
• Yards per gram — critical: a lace-weight yarn may have 400+ yards per 100g; bulky yarn may have only 100 yards per 100g
• Round UP on skeins — always buy one extra skein; dye lots change between production runs and you cannot always rematch color later

Reference: average yardage by yarn weight (per 100g):

• Lace: 400–1,000 yards
• Fingering/Sock: 350–500 yards
• Sport: 250–350 yards
• DK (Double Knit): 200–260 yards
• Worsted: 150–220 yards
• Bulky: 100–160 yards
• Super Bulky: 50–100 yards

Reference: typical project yardage needs:

• Baby hat: 100–150 yards (DK)
• Adult beanie: 150–250 yards (worsted)
• Adult scarf: 200–400 yards
• Adult sweater: 1,000–2,000 yards
• Blanket (throw): 2,000–4,000 yards

Worked example: Knitting an adult cardigan. Pattern calls for 1,800 yards of worsted weight. Your chosen yarn: 220 yards per 100g skein.

• Skeins needed = 1,800 ÷ 220 = 8.18 → buy 9 skeins
• Total yarn weight = 9 × 100g = 900g
• Always purchase all skeins from the same dye lot — check the lot number printed on the label.

Gauge swatching can shift yardage needs by ±15%; always swatch before purchasing your full quantity.