Gauge converter: adjust a pattern to your gauge

How it works

Gauge is how many stitches fit in a set distance. If you get more stitches than the pattern, each stitch is smaller, so the same stitch count makes a smaller piece. The calculator does two things with your numbers:

Size if you follow the pattern = pattern size × (pattern gauge ÷ your gauge)
Stitches to keep the pattern's size = pattern stitches × (your gauge ÷ pattern gauge)

Example: the pattern expects 20 stitches in 4 in and casts on 100, which is 20 in wide. You get 22 stitches. Following the pattern gives 100 ÷ 5.5 = 18.2 in. To get 20 in at your gauge you'd cast on 100 × 22 ÷ 20 = 110 stitches.

Changing needles or changing the numbers?

• Changing needle or hook size is usually the better fix. More stitches than the pattern means go up a size; fewer means go down a size. Swatch again after changing.
• Changing the numbers works well for simple shapes like scarves, blankets and plain hats. For fitted garments, every stitch count in the pattern changes, including increases, decreases and shaping, so it's more work.
• If your new stitch count has to fit a stitch pattern repeat, round it with the cast-on calculator.

Don't forget row gauge

If the pattern gives lengths in inches or cm ("work until the piece measures 10 in"), row gauge doesn't matter much: just measure. If it gives a number of rows, add row gauges above to see the new length or the row count that keeps the pattern's length. Different row gauge also changes how much yarn you use.