What is the Elizabeth Zimmermann Percentage System?

EPS is a method for designing seamless yoke sweaters from a single key number, K — the body stitch count at the chest (your stitches-per-cm times the finished chest circumference, which equals 100%). Every other stitch count is a percentage of K: upper arm = 33%, wrist = 20%, underarm = 8%, neck opening = 40%. The system sets stitch proportions, not finished lengths in centimetres — body and sleeve lengths are taken from the wearer.

Do EPS percentages work for all sizes?

EPS works well for standard adult proportions. For children the neck opening percentage may need to be larger (45-50%), and for plus sizes the upper-arm percentage is often nudged up a little. Use EPS as a starting point for the stitch counts and customise as needed. Remember that lengths are always taken from the wearer, not from a percentage.

Can I use EPS for cardigans?

Yes. Calculate exactly as for a pullover. For the front opening, add a steek or button band. The body, sleeve, and yoke proportions remain the same whether the garment opens at the front or not.

How does EPS work with top-down construction?

Cast on the neck stitches (40% of body). Place 4 raglan markers. Increase 8 stitches every other round until you reach body width (100%) and upper arm width (33%). Separate sleeves and body at the underarm.

Who was Elizabeth Zimmermann?

Elizabeth Zimmermann (1910-1999) was a British-born knitting teacher and author who revolutionised modern hand knitting. She popularised circular knitting, the percentage system, and creative knitting techniques through her books and PBS television series.

KnitCalcs

EPS Calculator — Elizabeth Zimmermann Percentage System

Calculate all sweater measurements from a single chest circumference using the Elizabeth Zimmermann Percentage System.

Chest Circumference

Finished garment chest measurement (with ease)

Stitch Gauge (per 10cm)

Stitches over 10cm in your project yarn (swatch gauge)

How We Calculate This

The Elizabeth Zimmermann Percentage System derives every sweater stitch count from one key number, K. K is the body stitch count at the chest: your gauge in stitches-per-centimetre multiplied by the finished chest circumference. K equals 100% — all other counts are a fixed percentage of K.

Key percentages (of K)

Body stitches (K): 100%
Upper arm: 33% of K
Wrist: 20% of K
Underarm: 8% of K (cast off at each underarm before the yoke)
Neck opening: 40% of K

These are stitch proportions, not finished lengths. Body length and sleeve length are wearer measurements — measure the person (a typical adult set-in sleeve-to-underarm is about 40–45cm, and back length hem-to-underarm about 40–65cm) rather than deriving them from the chest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

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Multiple Sizing Calculator

Calculate stitch counts for multiple sizes from a base pattern.

Percentage System Calculator

Calculate garment proportions using the Elizabeth Zimmermann percentage system.

Custom Pattern Calculator

Calculate stitch and row counts for custom pattern dimensions.

Wrap Calculator

Calculate dimensions and yarn for rectangular wraps and stoles.

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.