🧶 Free tool
How much yarn do I need?
Calculate how many balls you need for your project in seconds — whether you're standing in a yarn shop or planning at home.
Protects against dye-lot differences
To also show total weight needed
American patterns often use inches for measurements like sleeve length or body width. Convert them here instantly.
Quick reference — tap to fill
How does the calculation work?
The formula is simple: divide the total meterage your pattern requires by the meterage per ball of your chosen yarn. The result is the minimum number of balls.
Always add a safety buffer of at least 10%. Yarn dye lots differ between production batches. If you run short and need a new ball, it may not match perfectly in colour.
For textured stitches like cables, moss stitch or ribbing, use a buffer of 15–20%. These stitches use significantly more yarn than stockinette.
| Project | DK (~200m/100g) | Aran (~150m/100g) | Bulky (~100m/100g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hat (adult) | 150–200m | 100–150m | 60–100m |
| Scarf | 300–500m | 200–350m | 150–250m |
| Mittens (pair) | 150–200m | 100–150m | 70–100m |
| Baby cardigan | 300–500m | 200–350m | 150–200m |
| Adult sweater (S/M) | 900–1200m | 650–900m | 400–600m |
| Blanket (throw) | 1500–2500m | 1000–1800m | 700–1200m |
* These are estimates. Always check your pattern for exact yardage.
Frequently asked questions
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