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Yarn Calculator

Calculate yarn needed for your knitting or crochet project

Unit System

Yarn Needed

1610 yards

Needle size: US 7-9 • ~55 yards/oz

Yarn Needed for Sweater (Adult M)

Recommended (with 15% buffer)

1610

yards

Minimum Yards

1400

Meters

1280

Weight

25.5 oz

722g

Skeins Needed

7

at 220 yds each

Yarn Breakdown

Minimum Yards1,400
With Buffer (15%)1,610
Skeins Needed7
Weight (grams)722

Yarn Weight Guide

#WeightNeedleYds/oz
0LaceUS 000-1~150
1Fingering/SockUS 1-3~100
2SportUS 3-5~80
3DK/Light WorstedUS 5-7~65
4WorstedUS 7-9~55
5BulkyUS 9-11~35
6-7Super BulkyUS 11-17~20

Tips for Buying Yarn

1

Buy all skeins from the same dye lot to ensure color consistency

2

Add 15-20% extra for colorwork, cables, or textured stitches

3

Keep one label with your project notes for reference

4

Lace and fingering weights need more yardage but less total weight

5

Consider buying one extra skein - you can always return unused yarn

Example Calculations

1Worsted Sweater (Adult Medium)

Inputs

ProjectSweater (Adult M)
Yarn WeightWorsted (#4)
SizeM
Yards per Skein220

Result

Recommended (with 15% buffer)1,610 yards
Minimum Yards1,400
Meters1,280
Weight25.5 oz (723g)
Skeins Needed7

Base yards for sweater = 1,400. Worsted weight factor = 1.0, size M factor = 1.0. Yards = 1,400 × 1.0 × 1.0 = 1,400. With 15% buffer = 1,610 yards. At 220 yards/skein, you need ceil(1,400/220) = 7 skeins.

2Bulky Throw Blanket

Inputs

ProjectThrow Blanket (50" × 60")
Yarn WeightBulky (#5)
Yards per Skein150

Result

Recommended (with 15% buffer)2,990 yards
Minimum Yards2,600
Meters2,377
Weight74.3 oz (2,106g)
Skeins Needed18

Base yards for throw blanket = 2,000. Bulky weight factor = 1.3, no size factor. Yards = 2,000 × 1.3 = 2,600. With 15% buffer = 2,990 yards. At 150 yards/skein, you need ceil(2,600/150) = 18 skeins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How do I calculate how much yarn I need?

Multiply the finished project area by your gauge (stitches per inch × rows per inch), then multiply by yarn per stitch. Our calculator does this automatically based on project type and size.

Q

How much yarn do I need for a blanket?

A typical throw blanket (50×60 inches) needs about 1,500-2,500 yards of worsted weight yarn. Baby blankets need 800-1,200 yards. Chunky yarn uses less yardage but more weight.

Q

How much yarn for an adult sweater?

An adult sweater typically requires 1,200-2,000 yards depending on size and style. A simple pullover in worsted weight needs about 1,400 yards for medium size, more for larger sizes or longer sleeves.

Q

What does yarn weight mean?

Yarn weight refers to thickness: Lace (0), Fingering (1), Sport (2), DK (3), Worsted (4), Bulky (5), Super Bulky (6), Jumbo (7). Thicker yarns knit faster but need more ounces for the same yardage.

Q

Should I buy extra yarn?

Always buy 10-15% more yarn than calculated to account for gauge differences, mistakes, and dye lot variations. Running out mid-project with a discontinued dye lot is a common problem.

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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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