KnitCalcs
Yarn Meterage Calculator — Metres to Balls Conversion
Calculate how many balls of yarn you need for a given total meterage requirement.
How We Calculate This
This calculator divides your total meterage requirement by the meterage per ball to determine how many balls to buy.
The formula
Balls needed = Total metres needed / Metres per ball (rounded up)
Metres per gram = Metres per ball / Ball weight
Yards = Metres x 1.0936
Frequently Asked Questions
To convert metres to yards, multiply by 1.0936. To convert yards to metres, multiply by 0.9144. Many US patterns list yardage in yards, so this conversion is essential when using UK yarn. For example, 200 metres = 219 yards.
Lace: 600-800m, Fingering/4-ply: 350-450m, Sport/5-ply: 250-350m, DK/8-ply: 200-270m, Aran/10-ply: 150-190m, Chunky/12-ply: 90-130m, Super Bulky: 50-90m. These vary by fibre type: cotton is denser and has fewer metres per gram than wool.
Yes, always buy at least one extra ball to account for swatching, tension variations, and possible mistakes. If buying from a limited dye lot, it is better to have too much than not enough, as matching colours later can be very difficult.
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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.