This free crochet yarn calculator estimates how much yarn your blanket needs and how many skeins to buy. Choose a blanket size (or enter your own), your yarn weight and main stitch to get an estimate in yards, metres and skeins. For the most accurate number, crochet a small swatch, weigh or measure the yarn it used, and use the swatch method.
How to use the Crochet Yarn Calculator
- Choose a project size, or enter a custom width × length in inches.
- Pick the method: estimate from yarn weight and main stitch, or use your own swatch.
- For a swatch, enter its width, height and the yards it used. Enter the yards per skein.
- Add the number of colours and a safety buffer, then press Calculate yarn.
Buy all skeins from the same dye lot; the buffer in the crochet yarn calculator helps you avoid running short. The full chart, with hook sizes and gauges, is on the Craft Yarn Council website.
How much yarn for a crochet blanket?
| Blanket | Size | Worsted, double crochet (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lovey | 18 × 18 in | 300 yd |
| Baby | 30 × 36 in | 1,000 – 1,100 yd |
| Crib | 36 × 48 in | 1,550 – 1,750 yd |
| Throw | 50 × 60 in | 2,700 – 3,000 yd |
| Twin | 60 × 80 in | 4,300 – 4,800 yd |
| Queen | 90 × 100 in | 8,100 – 9,000 yd |
Swatch method (most accurate)
Make the swatch at least 6 × 6 inches in the actual stitch pattern, with the same hook and yarn. Then unravel it and measure, or weigh it on a kitchen scale.
What makes a project use more yarn?
- Dense or textured stitches (single crochet, puff, bobble, cables) use 15–50% more than double crochet.
- Tight tension or a small hook packs more yarn into each square inch.
- Borders and joining: add 5–10% for a substantial border.
Frequently asked questions
How many skeins of yarn do I need for a baby blanket?
A 30 × 36 inch baby blanket in worsted weight double crochet needs about 1,000–1,100 yards: about 3 skeins of 364 yd, or 6 skeins of 200 yd.
Does single crochet use more yarn than double crochet?
Yes. Single crochet usually uses about 15–20% more yarn per square inch than double crochet, because the fabric is denser.
How do I convert yarn grams to yards?
Use the ball band: yards per gram = skein yards ÷ skein grams. For example, a 100 g skein with 200 yd has 2 yd per gram.
Does this work for knitting?
Yes. Choose the knit stockinette/garter option, or use the swatch method for any knit stitch pattern.
What is the yarn weight chart?
The Craft Yarn Council numbers yarn from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo): 1 super fine, 2 fine (sport), 3 light (DK), 4 medium (worsted or aran), 5 bulky and 6 super bulky. Most blankets use weight 4 or 5.
How do I work out yards per square inch?
Crochet a swatch, measure it and note the yarn it used: yards per square inch = yards used ÷ (width × height). A 4 × 4 in swatch that uses 10 yards is 0.625 yards per square inch, so a 36 × 36 in blanket needs about 810 yards before the buffer.
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Results are estimates for general information. Check critical decisions with a qualified professional.