Craft

Yarn Calculator

Calculate how many skeins or balls of yarn you need for your knitting or crochet project.

Quick Answer

A scarf needs ~2 skeins, a hat ~1 skein, a baby blanket ~4-5 skeins, and an adult sweater ~7-10 skeins of worsted weight yarn (200 yds/skein). Always buy an extra skein from the same dye lot.

Total Yardage

400

366 m

Skeins Needed

2

Estimated Cost

$16.00

+ 1 Extra Skein

3

recommended

About This Tool

The Yarn Calculator takes the guesswork out of buying yarn for your next knitting or crochet project. Select your project type, choose a yarn weight, and get an instant estimate of how many skeins to buy.

How Yardage Estimates Work

Our estimates are based on average yardage for standard project sizes using the most common yarn weight for each project type. Your actual yardage may vary based on your gauge, stitch pattern (cables use more yarn than stockinette), and personal tension.

Choosing the Right Yarn Weight

Worsted weight (4) is the most versatile and widely available. Lighter weights (fingering, sport) create drapier fabric and work well for garments. Bulkier weights work up faster and are great for blankets and accessories. Always check your pattern's recommended weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much yarn do I need for a blanket?
A baby blanket (30x30") needs about 800 yards. A throw (50x60") needs 2,000-2,500 yards. A full-size afghan needs 3,000-4,000 yards. These estimates assume worsted weight yarn; bulky yarn covers more area per yard but creates a thicker fabric.
How much yarn for a sweater?
An adult S-M sweater needs about 1,200-1,500 yards of worsted weight yarn. L-XL sizes need 1,800-2,200 yards. Cardigans need about 200-300 yards more than pullovers due to the front overlap. Lighter weight yarn requires more yardage.
What does yarn weight mean?
Yarn weight refers to thickness, not mass. Categories range from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). Worsted weight (4) is the most popular. Thicker yarns cover area faster but produce bulkier fabric. Each weight has a recommended needle/hook size and gauge.
Should I buy extra yarn?
Always buy 10-15% extra. Dye lots can vary between batches, making it hard to match color later. Having extra also covers gauge swatching, mistakes, and any design changes. Unused skeins can often be returned or saved for future projects.
How do I convert between yards and meters?
Multiply yards by 0.9144 to get meters. Most yarn labels show both measurements. European patterns typically list meters, while US patterns use yards. 100 yards is approximately 91 meters.