crochetguideCrochet yarn quantity calculator
Convert pattern yardage into balls, or estimate a flat project from a weighed swatch.
Em português calculadora de fio
The starting values are examples. Replace them with your actual pattern or measured project before buying yarn.
Example estimate
Example: 900 m + 10% = 990 m. Each ball has 170 m.
6 balls give you 1,020 m: about 30 m to spare after your 10% extra.
Several colors? Balls for each one
For a pattern that lists a length for each color: each color is rounded up to whole balls on its own, after any leftovers you already have.
Buy 7 balls: A 4, B 2, C 1.
Add a price for each ball to see the cost. Prices stay in this browser.
The numbers are an example: replace them with your pattern’s lengths, your yarn’s ball size, and any leftovers and prices.
Your numbers and prices are saved in this browser only.
Weighing for an honest amount
- Leftovers count only for the same yarn and color. Weigh them without the cardboard core or bag; the yarn remaining calculator takes the core off for you.
- Borders, tails, fringe and seams are not in a body length: add them to the allowance or as their own color.
- Buy each color from one dye lot. A price you type is never sent anywhere and no shop price is shown here.
Use length when following a pattern
Required balls = round up [pattern length × (1 + allowance ÷ 100) ÷ length per ball]. Yards convert to meters using exactly 0.9144. Use the length printed on the ball label for your chosen color: solid and multicolor versions sometimes have different ball lengths.
Several colors: round up each one
A pattern that lists a length for each color needs whole balls of each, so every color is rounded up on its own: three colors of a 900 m pattern (600, 200 and 100 m) need 7 balls of 170 m with 10% extra, where one color would need 6. Leftovers count only against their own color. Type a price for each ball to see the cost; it stays in this browser, and a color you leave without a price leaves the total open instead of counting as free.
Use a weighed swatch for a rectangle
Estimated grams = project area ÷ swatch area × swatch grams × allowance factor. Divide by grams per ball and round up. Use the same yarn, stitch, hook and tension, with the swatch washed and dry. Weigh a large enough sample for your scale to resolve, and avoid including a long loose tail.
This estimates uniform flat fabric only. Borders, fringe, textured sections, seams, shaping and color changes need separate allowances or separate component estimates. A garment or amigurumi needs a pattern-based quantity, not a blanket-area estimate.
Before buying all the yarn
Compare the replacement yarn and check a finished swatch first. Buy the project quantity together when matching dye lots matters. Save one label with your project notes.