Foundation Chain Calculator — Chain Count for Target Width

Multiply your target width by your stitch gauge (stitches per cm) to get your working stitch count, then add turning chains. For dc UK / sc US: add 1. For htr UK / hdc US: add 2. For tr UK / dc US: add 3. For dtr UK / tr US: add 4. For dc (UK) / single crochet (US) the single turning chain does NOT count as a stitch — it only lifts the yarn to height, and you work into the 2nd chain from the hook. For htr, tr and dtr the turning chain usually DOES count as the first stitch of the row.

Many crocheters chain tighter than they work stitches. Try using a hook 1-2 sizes larger for the foundation chain, then switch to your project hook. Alternatively, use a foundation dc/htr/tr technique which creates the chain and first row simultaneously.

Turning chains are extra chains worked at the beginning of each row to bring the yarn up to the height of the stitch being used. UK dc (US sc) needs 1, htr (hdc) needs 2, tr (dc) needs 3, dtr (tr) needs 4. For htr, tr and dtr the turning chain usually counts as the first stitch of the row, but for dc UK / single crochet US the ch-1 does NOT count as a stitch — it is purely for height.

Your working stitch count must be a multiple of the pattern repeat. This calculator rounds to the nearest multiple automatically. For example, if your repeat is 4 stitches and you need 45 stitches, it rounds to 44 or 48.

A chainless foundation (foundation dc, foundation htr) creates the chain and first row in one step. It produces a stretchy edge that matches the body fabric. Traditional chains are tighter and may restrict stretch. Chainless foundations are especially useful for garments and items that need edge flexibility.