liminfoYarn Weight Calculator
Free web tool: Yarn Weight Calculator
Yarn Weight Reference
Searchable reference table for standard yarn weight categories with WPI, needle/hook sizes, gauge, and typical uses.
Lace
#0WPI
30–40+
Gauge
32–40 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 000–1 (1.5–2.25 mm)
Crochet Hook
Steel 6–14 (1.0–1.75 mm)
Typical Uses
Lace shawls, doilies, fine tablecloths, lightweight scarves
Fingering / Sock
#1WPI
14–24
Gauge
27–32 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 1–3 (2.25–3.25 mm)
Crochet Hook
B/1–E/4 (2.25–3.5 mm)
Typical Uses
Socks, lightweight garments, baby items, shawls
Sport
#2WPI
12–18
Gauge
23–26 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 3–5 (3.25–3.75 mm)
Crochet Hook
E/4–7 (3.5–4.5 mm)
Typical Uses
Light sweaters, baby garments, socks, accessories
DK (Double Knit)
#3WPI
11–15
Gauge
21–24 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 5–7 (3.75–4.5 mm)
Crochet Hook
7–I/9 (4.5–5.5 mm)
Typical Uses
Sweaters, blankets, scarves, hats, versatile weight
Worsted
#4WPI
9–12
Gauge
16–20 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm)
Crochet Hook
I/9–K/10.5 (5.5–6.5 mm)
Typical Uses
Sweaters, blankets, hats, scarves, mittens — most popular weight
Aran
#4 (heavy)WPI
8–11
Gauge
14–18 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 8–10 (5.0–6.0 mm)
Crochet Hook
K/10.5–L/11 (6.0–7.0 mm)
Typical Uses
Cable knits, heavy sweaters, outdoor wear, afghans
Bulky / Chunky
#5WPI
6–9
Gauge
12–15 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 10–11 (6.0–8.0 mm)
Crochet Hook
L/11–M/13 (8.0–9.0 mm)
Typical Uses
Quick blankets, chunky scarves, hats, rugs
Super Bulky
#6WPI
4–6
Gauge
7–11 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 13–17 (9.0–12.75 mm)
Crochet Hook
N/15–Q (10.0–16.0 mm)
Typical Uses
Fast projects, cowls, thick blankets, arm knitting prep
Jumbo
#7WPI
1–4
Gauge
1–6 sts / 4″
Knitting Needles
US 17+ (12.75+ mm)
Crochet Hook
Q+ (16.0+ mm)
Typical Uses
Arm knitting, extreme chunky blankets, rugs, decor
| Category | # | WPI | Needle (US) | Needle (mm) | Hook (US) | Gauge | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 0 | 30–40+ | 000–1 | 1.5–2.25 mm | Steel 6–14 | 32–40 sts / 4″ | Lace shawls, doilies, fine tablecloths, lightweight scarves |
| Fingering / Sock | 1 | 14–24 | 1–3 | 2.25–3.25 mm | B/1–E/4 | 27–32 sts / 4″ | Socks, lightweight garments, baby items, shawls |
| Sport | 2 | 12–18 | 3–5 | 3.25–3.75 mm | E/4–7 | 23–26 sts / 4″ | Light sweaters, baby garments, socks, accessories |
| DK (Double Knit) | 3 | 11–15 | 5–7 | 3.75–4.5 mm | 7–I/9 | 21–24 sts / 4″ | Sweaters, blankets, scarves, hats, versatile weight |
| Worsted | 4 | 9–12 | 7–9 | 4.5–5.5 mm | I/9–K/10.5 | 16–20 sts / 4″ | Sweaters, blankets, hats, scarves, mittens — most popular weight |
| Aran | 4 (heavy) | 8–11 | 8–10 | 5.0–6.0 mm | K/10.5–L/11 | 14–18 sts / 4″ | Cable knits, heavy sweaters, outdoor wear, afghans |
| Bulky / Chunky | 5 | 6–9 | 10–11 | 6.0–8.0 mm | L/11–M/13 | 12–15 sts / 4″ | Quick blankets, chunky scarves, hats, rugs |
| Super Bulky | 6 | 4–6 | 13–17 | 9.0–12.75 mm | N/15–Q | 7–11 sts / 4″ | Fast projects, cowls, thick blankets, arm knitting prep |
| Jumbo | 7 | 1–4 | 17+ | 12.75+ mm | Q+ | 1–6 sts / 4″ | Arm knitting, extreme chunky blankets, rugs, decor |
About Yarn Weight Calculator
The Yarn Weight Reference Chart is a comprehensive, searchable guide covering all nine standard yarn weight categories defined by the Craft Yarn Council — from ultra-fine Lace (weight 0) all the way up to Jumbo (weight 7). For each category, the table shows the weight number, wraps-per-inch (WPI) range, recommended knitting needle sizes in both US and metric (mm), crochet hook sizes in both US and metric, expected stitch gauge per 4 inches, and typical project applications.
Knitters and crocheters frequently need to substitute yarns when a pattern calls for a specific weight that is unavailable or when working with stash yarn. This reference removes the need to memorize or look up values from multiple sources. You can search by category name, project type, or gauge to quickly narrow down which weight class a yarn belongs to, and which needles or hooks to pair it with.
The data in this reference follows the Craft Yarn Council Standard Yarn Weight System, the industry-wide classification used on yarn labels worldwide. WPI (wraps per inch) is a practical field measurement — simply wrap yarn around a ruler for one inch without overlapping and count the strands to determine its weight category. The gauge ranges listed are averages knitted in stockinette stitch on the recommended needles; individual tension and stitch pattern will shift actual numbers.
Key Features
- Covers all 9 CYC standard yarn weight categories from Lace (0) to Jumbo (7)
- Shows WPI (wraps per inch) range for each weight category
- Displays recommended knitting needle sizes in both US and metric (mm)
- Includes crochet hook sizes in US letter/number and metric (mm) formats
- Lists expected stitch gauge per 4 inches for each category
- Describes typical project uses to help choose the right weight
- Instant search by category, use, gauge, or number
- Responsive card view on mobile and full table view on desktop
Frequently Asked Questions
What is yarn weight and why does it matter?
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand. It determines which needle or hook size to use, how many stitches fit per inch (gauge), how quickly a project knits up, and the drape and warmth of the finished fabric. Using the wrong weight for a pattern will produce an item that is the wrong size or has the wrong feel.
What does WPI (wraps per inch) mean?
WPI stands for wraps per inch. To measure it, wrap your yarn around a ruler for exactly one inch, placing wraps snugly side by side without overlapping or stretching. Count the number of wraps. Higher WPI means finer yarn. Lace yarn has 30–40+ WPI while Jumbo yarn has only 1–4 WPI. WPI is useful for categorizing unlabeled stash yarn.
How do I match a substitution yarn to the pattern's yarn weight?
Find the yarn weight category listed in your pattern (e.g., DK, Worsted). Use the reference table to see the gauge range. Knit a test swatch with your substitute yarn on the recommended needle size. If your gauge matches the pattern's gauge, the substitution will work. WPI can also confirm the thickness class.
What is the difference between DK and Worsted?
DK (Double Knit) is weight #3 with 21–24 stitches per 4 inches and 11–15 WPI, recommended on US 5–7 / 3.75–4.5 mm needles. Worsted is weight #4 with 16–20 stitches per 4 inches and 9–12 WPI, recommended on US 7–9 / 4.5–5.5 mm needles. Worsted is thicker, knits faster, and produces a denser fabric than DK.
Which yarn weight is best for beginners?
Worsted weight (#4) is the most recommended for beginners. The stitches are large enough to see clearly, there is the widest selection of patterns, and it works up quickly. The recommended US 7–9 needles are easy to handle. Most yarn stores carry the largest selection of Worsted weight colors and fiber types.
Can I use the same hook size for all crochet projects?
No — the hook size must match the yarn weight to achieve the correct gauge. Use the hook size range listed for each weight category. For example, Worsted calls for a US I/9–K/10.5 (5.5–6.5 mm) hook, while Lace requires a very fine Steel 6–14 (1.0–1.75 mm) hook. Always check a swatch before starting a sized project.
What projects are best suited for bulky and super bulky yarns?
Bulky (#5) and Super Bulky (#6) yarns are ideal for quick projects where you want fast results: thick scarves, hats, cowls, chunky blankets, and rugs. They knit up on US 10–17 needles or L/11–Q hooks and produce a warm, cozy fabric. Jumbo (#7) is popular for extreme arm-knitting blankets and decorative pieces.
Is this yarn weight reference chart free?
Yes, completely free. No sign-up or download is required. The entire reference table is built into the page and processed in your browser. You can search and filter entries instantly without any server round-trips.