Knitting needles come in many different sizes. Those sizes, along with the needle material, yarn size, and fiber, determine your gauge. Larger needles means more yarn used for each stitch, which results in larger stitches.
Some knitters refer to American knitting needle sizes, and some knitters refer to metric knitting needle sizes. American knitting needle sizes are numbered, but those numbers are just a label; they aren’t an actual measurement. Metric needle sizes are the needle’s diameter in millimeters. The needles are the same! You just need an easy to reference knitting needles sizes conversion chart.
Knitting Needles Sizes Conversion Chart
Save this image to the Photos app on your phone for quick reference.
Free PDF Download
In addition to the conversion chart image above, I’ve created a PDF that includes room to track your inventory of different needle types in each size. If you have needles outside of a cohesive set, this may be helpful to keep tabs on your needle stash. The PDF also includes the conversion between US and metric sizes.
Save it on your phone or print it out to easily keep track of which needles you have and which ones you (might) still want or need.
Other Knitting Needle Size Conversion Tools
Knitting needles are usually marked with their US and metric sizes. But if yours have rubbed off or if the fine print is hard on your eyes, you can get a needle gauge.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| Susan Bates 14099 Knit-Chek for Knitting Needle, Pink, 3 by 5-1/2-Inch |
$4.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
| HiyaHiya Knitting Needle Gauge-Sheep |
$8.05 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
| Clover Swatch Ruler & Needle Gauge, White |
$8.64 | Buy on Amazon |
Needle gauges tend to include both the US and metric sizes. These gauges are often part of a gauge ruler, and the ChiaoGoo needle sets (which I highly recommend – they are the best needled sets) include them. If you’re looking for a needle gauge that is not part of a ruler, I think this one from CocoKnits is adorable.
Final Thoughts
Gauge may be annoying, but it is essential to master it if you want to make items that are a certain dimension.
- Make sure you know your needle size.
- Make sure you know how to size your stitches.
- Block your swatch.
- Measure your swatch.
Happy knitting!
What’s the difference between US and metric needle sizes?
US needle sizes use numbers to represent the size. Metric needle sizes are the actual measurement in millimeters.
How can I measure a needle if the size has worn off?
Needle gauges are affordable, readily available, and usually very cute. Use this to determine the size of your needle by determining which the smallest hole on the gauge through which you can fit your needle.
Does needle size really matter for knitting?
Yes! The size of the needle determines how much yarn is used per stitch, which directly determines your gauge. The size of the needle determines the circumference of the loop of yarn you create with each stitch. For more gauge tips, see this post.
What about UK or Japanese needle sizes?
While older patterns or vintage tools may reference UK or Japanese sizing systems, modern knitting paternal almost always use the US or metric standard. If you run into one of the rarer systems, online charts can help you match your tools.
