Worsted Weight Yarn Gauge Chart
Worsted weight (CYC #4, roughly 10-ply) is the most common yarn weight in North American patterns. Its standard gauge is 16–20 stitches per 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette, with 18 stitches per 4 inches the usual midpoint on US 7–8 (4.5–5 mm) needles.
The chart below shows typical stockinette gauges for worsted weight yarn across needle sizes. Treat it as a starting point for needle choice — your hands, the specific yarn, and the stitch pattern all shift the numbers, which is why a properly measured swatch always has the final word.
Worsted weight gauge by needle size
| Needle size (US) | Needle size (mm) | Typical stitch gauge | Fabric character |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 5 | 3.75 mm | 21–22 sts | Dense, firm — bags, mittens, colorwork |
| US 6 | 4.0 mm | 20–21 sts | Firm — hats, structured accessories |
| US 7 | 4.5 mm | 18–20 sts | Standard sweater fabric |
| US 8 | 5.0 mm | 17–18 sts | Standard — soft, versatile fabric |
| US 9 | 5.5 mm | 16–17 sts | Relaxed — drapey garments, shawls |
| US 10 | 6.0 mm | 14–16 sts | Open, airy — loose wraps, quick knits |
How worsted compares to other weights
| Weight (CYC) | Name | Typical gauge | Typical needles |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Fingering / sock | 27–32 sts | US 1–3 (2.25–3.25 mm) |
| #2 | Sport | 23–26 sts | US 3–5 (3.25–3.75 mm) |
| #3 | DK / light worsted | 21–24 sts | US 5–7 (3.75–4.5 mm) |
| #4 | Worsted / aran | 16–20 sts | US 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm) |
| #5 | Bulky | 12–15 sts | US 9–11 (5.5–8 mm) |
| #6 | Super bulky | 7–11 sts | US 11–17 (8–12.75 mm) |
Reading a ball band
Most worsted ball bands print a gauge like "18 sts = 4 in on US 8." That's the manufacturer's recommended fabric, not a law. Knitting the same yarn at 20 stitches per 4 inches gives a sturdier fabric; at 16, a drapier one. Patterns choose a gauge for a reason — a dense cardigan and a flowing shawl may use the same yarn at very different gauges.
My gauge doesn't match the chart — is something wrong?
No. Charts describe averages; knitters aren't average. If your worsted swatch measures 19 stitches per 4 inches where a pattern wants 18, you can change needles and re-swatch, or keep the fabric you like and convert the pattern's numbers to your gauge with the gauge calculator.
Substituting worsted into a pattern written for another weight — say a DK pattern — is also perfectly doable with a little math: see converting a DK pattern to worsted.