How big should my gauge swatch be?

Knit a swatch at least 15cm x 15cm (6 x 6 inches). This gives you enough fabric to measure the central 10cm accurately, avoiding edge distortions. For best results, knit the swatch in the same stitch pattern used in the project.

Should I block my swatch before measuring?

Yes, always wash and block your swatch the same way you plan to care for the finished garment. Many yarns change gauge significantly after washing. Wool may relax and grow, cotton may shrink slightly, and acrylic may soften with steam. Measuring an unblocked swatch gives inaccurate gauge.

What if my gauge does not match the pattern?

If you have too many stitches per 10cm, your tension is too tight — try going up a needle size. If you have too few stitches, your tension is too loose — try going down a needle size. Change needle size by 0.5mm at a time and re-swatch until you match.

Do I need to check row gauge as well as stitch gauge?

For garments, row gauge matters for length calculations (sleeve length, body length, yoke depth). If your row gauge differs from the pattern but stitch gauge matches, you may need to add or remove rows. For accessories like scarves and blankets, stitch gauge is usually sufficient.

KnitCalcs

Gauge Swatch Calculator — Stitches & Rows Per 10cm

Calculate your stitch and row gauge from swatch measurements. The essential first step for any knitting project.

Stitches Counted

Count stitches across your swatch

Swatch Width

Width of the measured area

Rows Counted

Count rows down your swatch

Swatch Height

Height of the measured area

How We Calculate This

This calculator converts your swatch measurements into standardised gauge values.

The formula

Stitches per cm = Stitches counted / Swatch width (cm)

Stitches per 10cm = Stitches per cm x 10

Rows per cm = Rows counted / Swatch height (cm)

Stitches per inch = Stitches per cm x 2.54

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

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.

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.