How the yarn estimate works
A blanket is mostly flat fabric, so yarn use scales with area. The calculator multiplies the blanket's area in square inches by a typical number of yards per square inch for your yarn weight. Thinner yarn needs many more yards to cover the same space, because each stitch is smaller and there are more of them. Crochet uses more yarn than knitting for the same area, so crochet adds 30%. Then it adds your safety margin and rounds up to whole skeins.
The formula
yards = area × yards per sq in (× 1.3 for crochet)
skeins = round up (yards × (1 + extra %) ÷ yards per skein)
cost = skeins × price per skein
Yardage rates used
| Yarn weight | Knit (yd / sq in) | Crochet (yd / sq in) | Typical gauge, sts per 4 in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingering (1) | 1.15 | 1.50 | 27–32 |
| Sport (2) | 1.00 | 1.30 | 23–26 |
| DK (3) | 0.90 | 1.17 | 21–24 |
| Worsted / aran (4) | 0.75 | 0.975 | 16–20 |
| Bulky (5) | 0.55 | 0.715 | 12–15 |
| Super bulky (6) | 0.38 | 0.494 | 7–11 |
These rates are our assumptions, anchored to published blanket estimates: worsted crochet guides commonly quote about 800–1,200 yards for a 30 × 36 inch baby blanket and 3,000–4,500 yards for a 60 × 80 inch queen, which works out to roughly 0.6–1.1 yards per square inch. The other weights are scaled by their Craft Yarn Council gauge ranges. Real projects vary with hook or needle size, stitch pattern and tension, so treat the result as a shopping estimate, not a guarantee.
Example: a crocheted worsted throw
A 50 × 60 inch throw in worsted weight, crocheted, with 364-yard skeins at $5.50 and 10% extra:
| Step | Result |
|---|---|
| Area: 50 × 60 | 3,000 sq in (20.8 sq ft) |
| Rate: 0.75 × 1.3 | 0.975 yd per sq in |
| Yarn: 3,000 × 0.975 | 2,925 yd (2,675 m) |
| With 10% extra | 3,218 yd |
| Skeins: 3,218 ÷ 364, rounded up | 9 skeins |
| Cost: 9 × $5.50 | $49.50 |
Standard blanket sizes
The presets use common knit and crochet blanket sizes: 30 × 36 inches for a crib or stroller blanket, 42 × 52 for a larger baby blanket, 50 × 60 for a throw, 66 × 90 for a twin, 80 × 90 for a full, 88 × 92 for a queen and 106 × 90 for a king. Bed sizes assume the blanket drapes over the sides. For a blanket that only covers the top of the mattress, measure the mattress and choose Custom.
Tips for buying yarn
- Buy one dye lot. Colors shift between lots. Get all the skeins, plus your extra, at once.
- Swatch and weigh. A 6 × 6 inch swatch in your real stitch, weighed on a kitchen scale, gives grams per square inch you can scale to the full blanket.
- Watch the stitch. Granny squares and mesh use less; moss stitch, waffle, bobbles and corner-to-corner use more.
- Count borders. A wide border adds area. Add its width to both dimensions before estimating.
Frequently asked questions
How much yarn do I need for a crochet blanket?
In worsted weight, a crocheted throw of about 50 by 60 inches takes roughly 2,500 to 3,200 yards, around 8 to 9 large skeins of 364 yards. A baby blanket of 30 by 36 inches takes about 1,000 to 1,200 yards. Dense stitches, texture and tight tension push these numbers up.
Does crochet use more yarn than knitting?
Yes, usually around 25 to 30% more for the same area and yarn, because crochet stitches stack more yarn into each stitch. Open, lacy crochet can use less, while bobbles, puffs and front post stitches can use far more. This calculator adds 30% for crochet.
How many skeins of yarn do I need for a queen blanket?
A queen blanket of about 88 by 92 inches is roughly 8,100 square inches. In worsted weight that works out to around 6,100 yards knitted or 7,900 yards crocheted, or about 17 to 22 skeins of 364 yards before a safety margin. Bulky yarn cuts the yardage substantially.
Why should I buy extra yarn?
Estimates vary with tension and stitch pattern, and a later dye lot may not match the skeins you already have. Buying 10 to 15% extra from the same dye lot is cheaper than running short. Many shops accept returns of unused skeins.
How can I get a more accurate yarn estimate?
Knit or crochet a swatch in your actual stitch pattern, at least 6 by 6 inches, and weigh it. Divide its weight by its area to get grams per square inch, multiply by the blanket's area, then convert grams to skeins using the label weight. Swatch math beats any general chart.
Rates and figures last checked September 2026.
This calculator gives estimates for planning. Check current rates and product labels before you buy, list or file.