KnitCalcs
Amigurumi Calculator — Increase & Decrease Rounds for 3D Shapes
Calculate increase rounds, maximum stitch count, and decrease schedule for amigurumi spheres, eggs, and cylinders.
How We Calculate This
This calculator uses your gauge and target diameter to work out the full amigurumi round schedule.
The formula
Circumference = Diameter x Pi
Max stitches = Circumference (cm) x Stitches per cm
Increase rounds = (Max stitches - Starting ring) / 6
Even rounds (sphere) = Increase rounds + 2
The published perfect-sphere rule is that the straight middle section runs for one more round than the flat circle — and the flat circle is the magic-ring round plus every increase round. Because this calculator lists the magic ring as round 1 (separate from the increase-round count), that works out to increase rounds + 2. For example, a flat circle of R1 (6 sts) through R7 (42 sts) is 7 rounds, so the body is 7 + 1 = 8 rounds — which is 6 increase rounds + 2. The decreases then mirror the increases. The calculator generates the full schedule of increase, even, and decrease rounds for your chosen shape.
Yarn estimate
Yarn used is roughly the average stitches per round times the total rounds. A round's stitch count is proportional to sin(angle) down the ball, so the average round is about 0.67 x the maximum (the mean of sin over a pole-to-pole sweep is 2/pi ≈ 0.64, nudged up because amigurumi rounds start from a small magic-ring cap rather than a single point). Multiply by your yarn-per-stitch factor for the length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with a magic ring of 6 stitches. Round 2: increase in every stitch (12 sts). Round 3: *1 dc, inc* repeat (18 sts). Round 4: *2 dc, inc* repeat (24 sts). Continue adding 6 stitches per round with one more stitch between increases each time.
Use a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than recommended for your yarn weight. This creates a tight fabric that prevents stuffing from showing through. For DK yarn, use a 3.0-3.5mm hook instead of the usual 4mm.
Small amigurumi (5-10cm) use 20-50m. Medium (10-20cm) use 50-150m. Large (20-30cm) use 150-300m. The tight gauge and 3D construction mean amigurumi use more yarn per unit volume than flat crochet.
Increase evenly to your target width (6 stitches per round, spaced evenly). Then work a band of even rounds equal to your flat circle plus one — counting the magic ring, a circle of R1 (6 sts) to R7 (42 sts) is 7 rounds, so you work 8 even rounds. Finally decrease in reverse order, staggering the decreases so they do not stack. Stuff firmly before closing. Too few even rounds gives a flattened disc; too many gives a barrel.
Amigurumi uses tighter gauge (smaller hook) to prevent stuffing showing, works in continuous spiral rounds rather than joined rounds, and uses safety eyes or embroidered features. The dc (UK) / sc (US) stitch is standard because it creates the densest fabric.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates based on standard yarn weights and gauge. Results may vary with individual tension, yarn brand, and needle size.