crochetCrochet yarn quantity calculator
Convert pattern yardage into balls, or estimate a flat project from a weighed swatch.
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 provide 1,020 m, leaving 30 m beyond the allowance.
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.
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.