Understanding yarn weights is an important part of choosing the right yarn for your crochet or knitting project. This Yarn Weight Chart is a handy reference for comparing standard yarn categories, along with their recommended hook and needle sizes and typical gauge ranges.
Use the chart below to quickly compare everything from lace and fingering yarn to bulky and jumbo weights. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and you should always follow the yarn weight, hook or needle size, and gauge recommended in your pattern when possible.
Yarn Weights Chart
Use the table below to compare standard yarn weight categories, knitting and crochet gauge ranges, and recommended needle and hook sizes.
| Yarn Weight | Common Yarn Types | Knit Gauge* (4 in.) | Recommended Needle Size | Crochet Gauge* (4 in.) | Recommended Hook Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – Lace | Fingering, 10-count crochet thread | 33–40 sts** | 1.5–2.25 mm (US 000–1) | 32–42 double crochets** | Steel***: 1.6–1.4 mm (US 6–8); Regular: 2.25 mm (US B-1) |
| 1 – Super Fine | Sock, fingering, baby | 27–32 sts | 2.25–3.25 mm (US 1–3) | 21–32 sts | 2.25–3.5 mm (US B-1 to E-4) |
| 2 – Fine | Sport, baby | 23–26 sts | 3.25–3.75 mm (US 3–5) | 16–20 sts | 3.5–4.5 mm (US E-4 to 7) |
| 3 – Light | DK, light worsted | 21–24 sts | 3.75–4.5 mm (US 5–7) | 12–17 sts | 4.5–5.5 mm (US 7 to I-9) |
| 4 – Medium | Worsted, afghan, Aran | 16–20 sts | 4.5–5.5 mm (US 7–9) | 11–14 sts | 5.5–6.5 mm (US I-9 to K-10½) |
| 5 – Bulky | Chunky, craft, rug | 12–15 sts | 5.5–8 mm (US 9–11) | 8–11 sts | 6.5–9 mm (US K-10½ to M-13) |
| 6 – Super Bulky | Super bulky, roving | 7–11 sts | 8–12.75 mm (US 11–17) | 7–9 sts | 9–15 mm (US M-13 to Q) |
| 7 – Jumbo | Jumbo, roving | 6 sts or fewer | 12.75 mm and larger (US 17+) | 6 sts or fewer | 15 mm and larger (US Q+) |
Prefer a visual reference? See the yarn weight chart below.
* Knit gauge ranges are measured in stockinette stitch over 4 inches (10 cm), and crochet gauge ranges are measured in single crochet over 4 inches (10 cm), unless otherwise noted. These are general guidelines; always follow the gauge stated in your pattern.
** Lace weight yarns are usually knitted or crocheted on larger needles and hooks to create lacy, openwork patterns. Accordingly, a gauge range is difficult to determine. Always follow the gauge stated in your pattern.
*** Steel crochet hooks are sized differently from regular hooks — the higher the number, the smaller the hook, which is the reverse of regular hook sizing.
Source: Craft Yarn Council Standard Yarn Weight System
Other Resources You May Find Helpful
- Crochet Hook Size Chart
- Crochet Stitch Chart Symbols
- U.S. to U.K. Stitch Conversion Chart
- A Crafter’s Guide to Wool
Find more handy tips and tutorials on my Crochet Resources page.