How Much Yarn Do I Need? (Yardage Chart)

Yardage and skein count are not the same thing. Use this chart for rough planning, then compare skein prices so you do not overbuy or overpay.

Approximate yardage by project

How much yarn do I need by project type
ProjectApprox yards
Beanie/hat100–180
Scarf300–500
Adult sweater1,000–2,000
Baby blanket600–1,000
Throw blanket1,500–3,000
Socks (pair)300–450

Browse yarns and compare skein prices →

Skein math example

For a project (~1,500 yards), Lang Lang Cashmere Light Yarn at 92 yards/skein needs about 17 skeins. At $41.00 from Paradise Fibers, that is about $697.00 before shipping.

Yarns to price-check now

Schoppel Wolle
Edition 6
From $14.00 at Eat.Sleep.Knit
Ice Yarns
Paillettes
From $11.99 at Ice Yarns
Madelinetosh
Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light Yarn - Custom: JBW: Canyon Believe It
From $32.00 at Jimmy Beans Wool
Ice Yarns
Charm
From $13.99 at Ice Yarns
King Cole
King Cole Bumble Chunky
From $7.42 at WEBS (Yarn.com)
Blue Sky Fibers
Prairie Hand-Dyed
From $17.00 at Eat.Sleep.Knit

Compare all tracked yarns →

Disclaimer

Yardage ranges are approximate. Always check your pattern and ball band.

Skein math example

Divide pattern yardage by yards per skein on the ball band. Buy one extra skein for gauge swatches.