Yarn Weight Chart

Yarn is grouped into eight standard weights, from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). Use this chart to see what each weight is called, which crochet hook and knitting needle sizes to start with, and the typical gauge.

WeightAlso calledCrochet hookKnitting needleCrochet gauge*Knit gauge*
0 – LaceFingering, 10-count crochet thread1.4–2.25 mmUS Steel 6–8, regular B-11.5–2.25 mmUS 000–132–42 double crochet33–40
1 – Super FineSock, fingering, baby2.25–3.5 mmUS B-1 to E-42.25–3.25 mmUS 1–321–3227–32
2 – FineSport, baby3.5–4.5 mmUS E-4 to 73.25–3.75 mmUS 3–516–2023–26
3 – LightDK, light worsted4.5–5.5 mmUS 7 to I-93.75–4.5 mmUS 5–712–1721–24
4 – MediumWorsted, afghan, aran5.5–6.5 mmUS I-9 to K-10½4.5–5.5 mmUS 7–911–1416–20
5 – BulkyChunky, craft, rug6.5–9 mmUS K-10½ to M-135.5–8 mmUS 9–118–1112–15
6 – Super BulkySuper chunky, roving9–15 mmUS M-13 to Q8–12.75 mmUS 11–177–97–11
7 – JumboJumbo, roving15 mm and largerUS Q and larger12.75 mm and largerUS 17 and larger6 and fewer6 and fewer

*Stitches per 4 inches (10 cm): single crochet for crochet, stockinette for knitting. Based on Craft Yarn Council guidelines; always follow your yarn label and pattern.

How to tell a yarn's weight without a label

Use the wraps per inch (WPI) method: wrap the yarn snugly around a ruler or pencil for one inch without overlapping, then count the wraps. Roughly, 18 or more wraps is super fine, 12–18 is fine to light, 9–11 is medium, 7–8 is bulky, and 6 or fewer is super bulky.

Yarn weight FAQ

What is the most common yarn weight?

Medium (4), usually labeled worsted or aran. It is the default for blankets, hats, and beginner projects.

Is DK the same as worsted?

No. DK (double knitting) is a light (3) weight, one step thinner than worsted (4). You can sometimes hold DK with a slightly larger hook, but your gauge will change.

What does the number on a yarn label mean?

It is the Craft Yarn Council weight category, from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo). Higher numbers mean thicker yarn and bigger hooks or needles.

Can I substitute one yarn weight for another?

Stay within the same weight number when substituting. To use a different weight you must recalculate stitch counts from your own gauge swatch.

Need the exact hook? See the crochet hook size chart, or design a colorwork piece with the crochet pattern generator.