Find the category
Use the category number or search the common name on your yarn label.
CHARTS & CALCULATORS
Yarn weight chart & gauge calculator
Explore yarn categories 0–7, compare hook and needle ranges, and calculate a stitch count from your own measured swatch.
Gauge ranges use 4 inches (10.16 cm): knitting is stockinette; crochet is US single crochet. Lace crochet is pattern-specific. Tool ranges are starting points, not a substitute for a swatch.
Reference ready.
| Category | Common names | Knit stitches / 4 in | US single crochet stitches / 4 in | Needle mm | Hook mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 · Lace | Fine thread / lace yarn | 33–40 | Pattern-specific | 1.5–2.25 | 2.25 regular; 1.4–1.6 steel |
| 1 · Super Fine | Sock / fingering / baby | 27–32 | 21–32 | 2.25–3.25 | 2.25–3.5 |
| 2 · Fine | Sport / baby | 23–26 | 16–20 | 3.25–3.75 | 3.5–4.5 |
| 3 · Light | DK / light worsted | 21–24 | 12–17 | 3.75–4.5 | 4.5–5.5 |
| 4 · Medium | Worsted / afghan / aran | 16–20 | 11–14 | 4.5–5.5 | 5.5–6.5 |
| 5 · Bulky | Chunky / craft / rug | 12–15 | 8–11 | 5.5–8 | 6.5–9 |
| 6 · Super Bulky | Super bulky / roving | 7–11 | 7–9 | 8–12.75 | 9–15 |
| 7 · Jumbo | Jumbo / roving | 6 or fewer | 6 or fewer | 12.75+ | 15+ |
References checked September 24, 2026. CYC standard yarn weight system
Check the tool and yarn labels, then match your pattern with a swatch.
Use your own swatch
Measure in the actual stitch after the finishing your project needs. This calculation is independent of the yarn category above.
CHARTS & CALCULATORS / THE USEFUL DETAILS
Choose with the fabric in mind.
Compare the tool ranges
Optionally enter a hook or needle size. Several categories may match.
Measure the fabric
Use a real swatch for stitch calculations, then account for your pattern repeat and edges.
Frequently asked questions
Does yarn weight mean the grams in a ball?
Here, weight names a thickness category. Ball mass and total length are separate label information. Two balls with the same mass can produce very different lengths and fabrics.
Are category names exact substitutions?
No. Names overlap, and fiber, construction and finishing affect the result. Compare the pattern with a washed or finished swatch in the actual stitch before substituting.
Why does a hook size match several categories?
The guideline ranges overlap. A larger or smaller hook can intentionally produce a different fabric, so this is a reference filter rather than an automatic yarn identification test.
Why is lace crochet gauge not a fixed range?
Openwork depends heavily on the pattern. Use the pattern’s stitch and gauge instructions; a dense swatch and an open lace repeat are not directly comparable.
How does the stitch calculator work?
It divides your measured stitch count by the measured span, multiplies by the target width, and rounds up to a whole stitch. Pattern repeats, edge stitches and shaping must be added or adjusted separately.
What happens when I switch centimeters and inches?
The measured span and target width convert together, keeping the physical measurements and stitch count equivalent. Category gauge ranges remain labeled per 4 inches.