Gauge & Tension Calculators
Convert gauge measurements, adjust for different needle sizes, and calculate stitch and row counts from your tension swatch.
Gauge Swatch Calculator
Calculate stitches and rows per cm from your swatch measurements.
Gauge Conversion Calculator
Convert gauge between 10cm and 4-inch standards.
Row Gauge Calculator
Calculate how many rows you need for a given length based on your row gauge.
Stitch Gauge Calculator
Calculate how many stitches you need for a given width based on your stitch gauge.
Needle Size Calculator
Convert between metric, US, and old UK needle sizing systems.
Pattern Gauge Adjuster
Adjust pattern stitch counts when your gauge differs from the pattern gauge.
Blocked vs Unblocked Calculator
Calculate the expected size change after blocking based on fibre type.
Ease Calculator
Calculate positive or negative ease for garment fit from body measurements.
Gauge Ratio Calculator
Calculate the stitch-to-row ratio for pattern design and shaping.
International Gauge Calculator
Convert gauge measurements between metric and imperial systems.
10 free calculators in Gauge & Tension
Why Gauge Matters in Knitting
Gauge (also called tension in UK knitting) is the number of stitches and rows per unit of measurement. It is the single most important factor in achieving the correct size for any knitted garment. Even a difference of half a stitch per 10cm can result in a garment that is several centimetres too large or too small.
To measure gauge, knit a swatch at least 15cm x 15cm in the pattern stitch specified. Wash and block the swatch as you would the finished garment, then measure the central 10cm x 10cm area. Count the stitches across for stitch gauge and the rows down for row gauge. Our gauge swatch calculator converts these measurements into stitches and rows per centimetre.
Needle sizes follow different numbering systems around the world. UK old sizing runs from 14 (2mm) down to 000 (10mm), US sizes from 0 (2mm) to 15 (10mm), and metric sizes are simply the diameter in millimetres. Our needle size calculator converts between all three systems instantly.
Ease is the difference between the body measurement and the finished garment measurement. Positive ease means the garment is larger than the body (relaxed fit), while negative ease means it is smaller (close-fitting). Standard ease for a comfortable jumper is 5-10cm of positive ease at the chest, though this varies by style and personal preference.