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Yarn Weight Converter

Convert yarn between yards per pound, meters per 100g, and grams per meter — auto-detect yarn weight category and calculate skeins needed for your project

Your Yarn Label

g
m

Conversions

Enter skein weight and length to see conversions

Project Calculator

How many skeins do I need?
Select a project to calculate skeins needed

About This Tool

Yarn labels are a mess — some show meters and grams, others yards and ounces, and comparing two yarns from different brands feels like converting currencies. This calculator takes whatever information you have from your yarn label and converts it to every standard format: yards per pound (US standard), meters per 100g (metric standard), and grams per meter for those who think in terms of yarn density. Enter your skein's weight and length in whatever units you have, and instantly see all the conversions plus the standard yarn weight category (Lace, Fingering, Sport, DK, Worsted, Bulky, Super Bulky). The project calculator tells you exactly how many skeins to buy for common projects — from socks to sweaters — adjusted for your size. Whether you're substituting yarn in a pattern, comparing sale yarns online, or figuring out if you have enough stash yarn for a project, this tool eliminates the mental math and gives you the numbers you need.

How to Use

1. Enter your skein weight in grams or ounces (check the yarn label) 2. Enter your skein length in meters or yards (check the yarn label) 3. View instant conversions: yards per pound, meters per 100g, grams per meter, ounces per yard 4. See the auto-detected yarn weight category and estimated wraps per inch (WPI) 5. Optionally, use the Project Calculator: select a project type and size to see how many skeins you need 6. Use "Copy Link" to save your calculation or share it

Formula

Yards per Pound (YPP) = (Length in yards ÷ Weight in oz) × 16 Meters per 100g = (Length in meters ÷ Weight in grams) × 100 Grams per Meter = Weight in grams ÷ Length in meters Skeins Needed = Project Yardage ÷ Skein Length (rounded up)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is yards per pound (YPP)?
Yards per pound is the US standard for measuring yarn weight — it tells you how many yards of yarn are in one pound. Higher YPP means thinner yarn. For example, lace weight yarn has 2400+ YPP, while super bulky yarn has less than 500 YPP. This measurement lets you compare yarns regardless of skein size.
How do I find meters per 100g?
Divide the skein's length in meters by its weight in grams, then multiply by 100. For example, a 50g skein with 125m of yarn: (125 ÷ 50) × 100 = 250 meters per 100g. Most European and Asian yarn labels already show this, but US labels often don't.
What yarn weight is my yarn?
Yarn weight categories are based on yards per pound (YPP): Lace (2400+ YPP), Fingering/Sock (1600–2400), Sport (1200–1600), DK/Light Worsted (1000–1200), Worsted/Aran (800–1000), Bulky (500–800), Super Bulky (under 500). This calculator auto-detects the category from your yarn's measurements.
How much yarn do I need for a sweater?
A typical adult medium sweater needs about 1000–1200 yards of worsted weight yarn, 1200–1500 yards of DK weight, or 1600–2000 yards of fingering weight. Larger sizes need 20–40% more. This calculator has built-in presets for sweaters in multiple sizes and yarn weights.
How much yarn for a pair of socks?
A pair of adult socks typically needs 350–450 yards of fingering/sock weight yarn. Women's medium socks use about 350–400 yards, men's large socks about 400–450 yards. Most sock yarn skeins are 400 yards, enough for one pair.
Can I substitute one yarn for another?
Yes, if the yarns have similar yards per pound (within 10–15%). Check both yarns in this calculator — if a pattern calls for a yarn with 900 YPP and your substitute has 850 YPP, they'll work similarly. Always knit a gauge swatch to confirm. Yardage substitution is: (original YPP ÷ substitute YPP) × original yardage needed.
What is WPI (wraps per inch)?
Wraps per inch measures how many times yarn wraps around a ruler in one inch when laid side by side without overlapping. It's a quick way to identify yarn weight without a scale: 14+ WPI is fingering, 11–12 is DK, 9–10 is worsted, 7–8 is bulky. This calculator estimates WPI from your yarn's density.

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