A raglan is a sleeve construction where diagonal decrease lines run from the underarm to the neckline. Raglan sweaters can be knitted top-down (starting at the neck) or bottom-up (pieces joined at the underarm). The decrease rate determines the yoke depth and fit.

How do I calculate raglan decrease rate?

A standard raglan decreases 8 stitches every other row (2 stitches at each of 4 raglan lines). The number of decrease rows equals (total stitches at underarm - neck stitches) / 8. Each decrease row is followed by a plain row.

What is the difference between top-down and bottom-up raglan?

Top-down raglans start at the neck and increase to the underarm, allowing you to try on as you go. Bottom-up raglans knit the body and sleeves separately, then join and decrease to the neck, giving a neater neckline.

How do I distribute stitches for a top-down raglan cast on?

Subtract 8 stitches for the 4 raglan lines (2 each). Divide the remaining neck stitches into thirds: one third for the back, one third split between the two sleeves, and one third for the front. Adjust if needed for neckline shaping.

How deep should the raglan yoke be?

A standard raglan yoke depth is approximately 18-25cm for adults, depending on size. The calculator determines this from your stitch counts and row gauge. If the yoke seems too deep or shallow, adjust the neck or body stitch counts.

KnitCalcs

Raglan Calculator — Decrease Rates & Yoke Depth

Calculate raglan decrease rates, yoke depth, and stitch distribution for top-down or bottom-up raglan construction.

Body Stitches

Full circumference at underarm

Neck Stitches

Total stitches at neckline

Sleeve Stitches (each)

Stitches at top of each sleeve

Row Gauge (per 10cm)

Rows per 10cm from your gauge swatch

Construction DirectionDirection of construction

How We Calculate This

This calculator works out raglan shaping based on your body, sleeve, and neck stitch counts.

The formula

Total stitches to decrease = Body sts + (Sleeve sts x 2) - Neck sts

Decrease rows = Total decrease / 8 (8 stitches decreased per decrease row)

Yoke depth = (Decrease rows x 2) / Row gauge per cm

Standard raglan decreases every other row: decrease row, plain row, decrease row, plain row, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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.