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Yarn substitution calculator

Convert the yarn quantity in a pattern into the number of substitute balls or skeins to buy. Use either metres or yards throughout—the arithmetic is the same.

Calculate substitute yarn quantity

YOUR RESULT

Enter the label details

We’ll show the original total length and the whole number of substitute packages needed.

Yarn substitution formula

  1. Multiply the number of pattern balls by the length in each ball.
  2. Add any allowance you choose for swatching or adjustments.
  3. Divide by the substitute yarn’s length per ball, then round up to a whole package.
Substitute balls = round up[(pattern balls × pattern length) × (1 + allowance) ÷ substitute length]

Quantity is only half of a yarn substitution

This calculator prevents a ball-count mistake, but it cannot establish that two yarns will make the same fabric. Compare the pattern gauge with the substitute yarn’s published gauge, then check fiber, construction and care. The Craft Yarn Council says its weight categories are guidelines rather than an interchangeability chart, and recommends making a gauge swatch.

Browse sourced yarn specifications, see US-available yarn alternatives, or compare two yarns side by side.

Worked example

A pattern calls for eight 200 m balls, so it requires 1,600 m. A substitute has 175 m per ball. With no extra allowance, 1,600 ÷ 175 is 9.14, so you must round up and buy 10 substitute balls.

What if the pattern gives only total yardage?

Enter 1 for the pattern quantity and put the full pattern yardage or meterage in “length per pattern ball.” The result is the same. Use the requirement for your chosen pattern size and keep all lengths in one unit.

Should I add extra yarn?

That depends on the project, pattern, swatching plan and your comfort with running short. The allowance field is optional and defaults to zero so the calculator does not invent a universal recommendation. Remember that the final division always rounds up to a whole package.

Standard-weight guidance: Craft Yarn Council Standard Yarn Weight System and weight-system FAQ. Always follow the pattern and yarn label, and evaluate a washed swatch.