Crochet Stitch Counter: Calculate Stitches & Rows for Any Dimension
Knowing exactly how many stitches to chain and how many rows to work is the cornerstone of every successful crochet project. Whether you're creating a custom-width scarf, sizing a baby blanket, or designing your own pattern from scratch, our stitch counter calculator takes your gauge measurements and desired dimensions and instantly provides every number you need: total stitches wide, total rows, foundation chain count, stitches per inch, rows per inch, and total stitch count.
The formula is straightforward: divide your gauge stitches by your swatch size to get stitches per inch, then multiply by your desired width. For rows, the same principle applies vertically. However, there are important nuances that trip up many crocheters. Your foundation chain needs extra chains beyond the stitch count to serve as the turning chain — the number of extra chains depends on which stitch you're using. Single crochet requires 1 extra chain, half double crochet requires 2, double crochet requires 3, and treble crochet requires 4.
Our calculator currently adds 1 to your stitch count for the foundation chain (the single crochet default). If you're working in half double crochet, add 1 more to the displayed chain count; for double crochet, add 2 more. Alternatively, consider using a chainless foundation technique, which combines the chain and first row into a single step and creates a more flexible starting edge. Many modern patterns now recommend chainless foundations for garments and blankets.
For detailed techniques on counting stitches accurately in different stitch types, using stitch markers to track your count, and troubleshooting stitch count errors, see our comprehensive guide to counting crochet stitches.
Calculate Stitches & Rows
Your Stitch & Row Count
Why Accurate Stitch Counting Matters
In crochet, every stitch contributes to the final width and structure of your fabric. Adding or losing even one stitch per row accumulates over the length of a project — a blanket that gains one stitch every 5 rows will be noticeably wider at the top than the bottom, creating a trapezoidal shape instead of a rectangle. Professional crocheters count their stitches religiously, often placing a stitch marker every 10–25 stitches to make counting easier and to catch errors immediately.
Typical Stitch Counts by Project Width and Yarn Weight
| Width (inches) | Fingering (7 st/in) | Worsted (3.5 st/in) | Bulky (2.5 st/in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8" (Scarf) | 56 | 28 | 20 |
| 12" (Lovey) | 84 | 42 | 30 |
| 30" (Baby Blanket) | 210 | 105 | 75 |
| 50" (Throw) | 350 | 175 | 125 |
| 66" (Twin) | 462 | 231 | 165 |
| 90" (Queen) | 630 | 315 | 225 |
Foundation Chain vs. Chainless Foundation
The traditional foundation chain is the most common way to start a crochet project: chain a specific number of stitches, then work your first row into those chains. The drawback is that chains tend to be tighter than the rest of your work, creating a rigid bottom edge. The chainless (or foundation) method eliminates this by combining the chain and the first row of stitches into one step, producing a flexible edge that matches the rest of your fabric.
Foundation single crochet (fsc), foundation half double crochet (fhdc), and foundation double crochet (fdc) are all variations of this technique. They're especially valuable for garments, blankets, and any project where edge flexibility matters. Many modern pattern designers now default to chainless foundations. Learning this technique is one of the most impactful skills a developing crocheter can master.
Dealing with Stitch Pattern Repeats
If your project uses a stitch pattern with a specific repeat (e.g., a shell stitch that repeats every 6 stitches), you'll need to round your stitch count to a number that accommodates full repeats. Divide your calculated stitch count by the repeat number and round to the nearest whole number, then multiply back. Add any extra stitches required for pattern balance. For example, if your calculator says you need 175 stitches and your pattern repeat is 6+1, you'd adjust to 175 → (175–1)/6 = 29 repeats → 29×6+1 = 175 stitches (perfect match in this case).