Does this include the turning chain?

No. It gives the number of stitches in the row. Use the chain calculator to find how many foundation chains to make.

Why is the result slightly wider than my target?

The count is rounded to fit your stitch repeat, so the finished width can be a little over or under. It picks the closest fit.

Gauge & Stitch

Stitch Count Calculator

Work out how many stitches you need for any width, then round to fit your stitch pattern's repeat so the pattern lines up perfectly.

Stitch Count & Pattern Multiple Calculator

Scale any swatch stitch count to your desired project width with stitch repeat alignment

1Current Sample / Swatch4.00 sts/inches

Stitches in Sample

sts

Sample Measured Width (inches)

inches

2Target Goal & Stitch PatternMultiple: 1 + 0

Desired Finished Width (inches)

inches

Pattern Multiplee.g. "multiple of 6"

Plus Extra Stitchese.g. "+ 2 for turning"

Calculated Stitches & Repeat Breakdown

Target: 24 inches

Target Stitches Required

96stitches

Exact proportional count

Difference from Sample

+66stitches

Add stitches to expand width

Exact Mathematical Stitches

96.0raw

Prior to whole-number rounding

Actual Resulting Width

24.0inches

Difference of 0.00 inches from goal

Multiple Tip: When a stitch pattern says "Multiple of 6 + 2", always cast on a multiple of 6 (such as 36, 42, 48), then add 2 extra chains for symmetry and edge turning.

Skeins of mint and white yarn and a crochet hook on a chevron crochet blanket

How to use the stitch count calculator

Row 1Count the stitches in a sample, such as your swatch or a few inches of your project, and measure its width.
Row 2Enter the finished width you want.
Row 3If your stitch pattern repeats, enter the multiple and any extra stitches, for example "multiple of 6 plus 2."
Row 4Read the target stitch count, already rounded to the nearest number that fits the repeat, and how many stitches that is more or less than your sample.

What a "multiple" is and why it matters

Many stitch patterns repeat over a set number of stitches. A pattern might say "multiple of 6 + 2", meaning the total must be some number of 6-stitch repeats plus 2 extra stitches for the edges, such as 14, 20 or 26 stitches.

If your stitch count doesn't fit the multiple, the pattern won't line up at the end of the row: a shell will be cut in half, or a cluster won't have room. This calculator finds the stitch count closest to your target width that fits the repeat exactly.

Worked example

Your sample has 30 stitches across 7.5 inches, and you want a piece 24 inches wide. Your stitch pattern is a multiple of 6 + 2.

1.Stitches per inch: 30 ÷ 7.5 = 4
2.Raw target: 24 × 4 = 96 stitches
3.Remove the extra 2: 96 − 2 = 94
4.Round to the nearest multiple of 6: 94 ÷ 6 = 15.7, which rounds to 16 repeats
5.Add the extra back: 16 × 6 + 2 = 98 stitches

98 stitches comes out about 24.5 inches wide, the closest fit to 24 inches that keeps the pattern intact. To start the piece, use the chain calculator to add the right number of turning chains.

Using it to resize a pattern

Want to make a pattern wider or narrower than written? Measure the gauge from your swatch, enter the new width, and use the pattern's multiple. You'll get a stitch count that keeps the design working at the new size.

Remember that changing the width also changes how much yarn you need. Run the new size through the yarn calculator before you buy.

The formula

How the Stitch Count Calculator calculates

Stitches per inch = sample stitches ÷ sample width. Raw stitches = target width × stitches per inch. With a repeat: repeats = round((raw stitches − extra) ÷ multiple), and final stitches = repeats × multiple + extra.

Tips

Measure your sample after blocking if you'll block the finished piece.
If the pattern says "multiple of 4," enter 4 as the multiple and 0 as the extra.
Count repeats instead of single stitches when checking long rows; it's faster and easier.
The turning chain isn't included here; add it with the chain calculator.