Sweater Yardage Calculator — Estimate Yarn for Pullovers

A standard adult DK-weight pullover uses approximately 1,200-1,800 metres of yarn. Smaller sizes and lighter weights need less; larger sizes and heavier weights need more. This calculator provides estimates based on standard proportions for each yarn weight and size.

Yes. Cables use 10-20% more yarn, colourwork uses 10-20% more (due to floats), and lace uses slightly less. The estimates here are for stockinette. Add extra for textured patterns.

Always buy at least 10% more than estimated, from the same dye lot. Sweaters use a lot of yarn and running out mid-project is costly. Better to have a ball leftover than to need an unmatchable dye lot.

Long sleeves use significantly more yarn than short sleeves or a vest. Two full-length sleeves add roughly 55-60% to the yarn needed for the body alone, so a long-sleeved pullover uses about 60% more yarn than a sleeveless vest of the same size; short sleeves add roughly 35%. The body itself is the same size in all three, so this calculator scales only the sleeve area by sleeve type.