Estimate how much yarn your sweater needs — choose a garment type and size, pick your yarn weight, and get a yardage and skein estimate. Add your gauge for a tighter number on bigger projects.
Refine with gauge (optional)
Leave blank to use typical gauge for the selected weight. Gauge has a big effect on a garment this size.
Your estimate
Estimate for a medium worsted-weight pullover. Skein counts assume a typical worsted skein (200 yds) — check your yarn’s label, as yards per skein vary by brand.
Average yarn by size
| Size | Typical yardage (worsted) |
|---|---|
| XS | 1,000–1,300 yds |
| S | 1,100–1,500 yds |
| M | 1,300–1,800 yds |
| L | 1,500–2,100 yds |
| XL | 1,800–2,500 yds |
| XXL | 2,100–2,900 yds |
Cardigans and hoodies sit toward the high end (button bands, hoods); vests use noticeably less. Finer yarns increase yardage.
Frequently asked questions
How much yarn do I need for a sweater?
An adult sweater usually needs 1,000–2,500 yards depending on size, yarn weight, and style. A medium worsted-weight pullover is often around 1,300–1,800 yards.
How much yarn for a cardigan?
Cardigans need a little more than a comparable pullover because of the button bands and front overlap — budget roughly 10–15% extra.
How many skeins for a sweater?
Divide your total yardage by the yards per skein on the label and round up. A worsted sweater is commonly 6–12 skeins; finer yarns mean more, smaller skeins.
Does yarn weight change how much I need?
Yes. For the same finished size, finer yarns require more yardage because more length is needed to cover the area; heavier yarns need fewer yards.
Knit or crochet — which uses more yarn?
Crochet generally uses about 25–35% more yarn than knitting for a comparable garment. Select crochet above to add roughly 30%.