Everyday

Yarn Weight Calculator

Yardage, skeins and substitution for any project.

Enter your values

Choose one of: Hat, Scarf, Pair of socks, Adult sweater, Child sweater, Blanket (throw).

Choose one of: Lace / fingering, Sport / DK, Worsted / aran, Bulky, Super bulky.

Enter the yards per skein you are working with.

Enter the price per skein in $.

Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.

Results
Yardage needed
1,200 yd
Skeins to buy
6
In metres
1,097 m
Estimated cost
$54.00
Buy-extra advice
Add 1 skein of the same dye lot for swatches and edging

Quick answer

Yarn needs scale with weight category: a worsted adult sweater takes about 1,200 yards, while the same sweater in fingering takes 1,800–2,200 yards.

skeins = total yardage ÷ yards per skein

At a glance

What it doesYardage, skeins and substitution for any project.
CategoryEveryday
Inputs neededProject, Yarn weight, Yards per skein, Price per skein
Main outputYardage needed
Formulaskeins = total yardage ÷ yards per skein
CostFree — no sign-up, no download

How to use the Yarn Weight Calculator

  1. 1Choose the project type.
  2. 2Pick the yarn weight category you're using.
  3. 3Enter yards per skein from the ball band.

Inputs explained

Project
Choose one of: Hat, Scarf, Pair of socks, Adult sweater, Child sweater, Blanket (throw).
Yarn weight
Choose one of: Lace / fingering, Sport / DK, Worsted / aran, Bulky, Super bulky.
Yards per skein
Enter the yards per skein you are working with.
Price per skein($)
Enter the price per skein in $.

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with:

Inputs

  • ProjectAdult sweater
  • Yarn weightWorsted / aran
  • Yards per skein220
  • Price per skein9 $

Results

  • Yardage needed1,200 yd
  • Skeins to buy6
  • In metres1,097 m
  • Estimated cost$54.00
  • Buy-extra adviceAdd 1 skein of the same dye lot for swatches and edging

Frequently asked questions

How many skeins for a sweater?

About 6 skeins of 220-yard worsted for an average adult sweater, or 9–10 in fingering weight.

Why buy the same dye lot?

Dye lots vary subtly; mixing them mid-garment shows as a visible colour band across the fabric.

What do I need to enter into the Yarn Weight Calculator?

Just 4 values: project, yarn weight, yards per skein, price per skein. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.

How does the Yarn Weight Calculator work out the answer?

Yarn needs scale with weight category: a worsted adult sweater takes about 1,200 yards, while the same sweater in fingering takes 1,800–2,200 yards. It applies the formula skeins = total yardage ÷ yards per skein and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.

Is the Yarn Weight Calculator free, and do I need an account?

It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.

Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.