Yarn Weight Chart: US, UK and Metric Yarn Weights, Needles and Hooks
Short answer: yarn weights are grouped into 8 standard categories, from 0 (lace, the thinnest) to 7 (jumbo, the thickest). The higher the number, the bigger the needles and the fewer stitches fit in 10 cm (4 in). A bulky (5) yarn gives 12–15 stitches on US 9–11 (5.5–8 mm) needles; a super bulky (6) yarn gives 7–11 stitches on US 11–17 (8–12.75 mm) needles.
Yarn weight chart
| # | US name | UK / AU name | Stitches per 10 cm (4 in) | Knitting needles | Crochet hook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lace | 1–2 ply | 33–40 | US 000–1 (1.5–2.25 mm) | steel 1.4–2.25 mm |
| 1 | Super Fine (fingering, sock) | 4 ply | 27–32 | US 1–3 (2.25–3.25 mm) | B-1 to E-4 (2.25–3.5 mm) |
| 2 | Fine (sport) | 5 ply | 23–26 | US 3–5 (3.25–3.75 mm) | E-4 to 7 (3.5–4.5 mm) |
| 3 | Light (DK, light worsted) | DK, 8 ply | 21–24 | US 5–7 (3.75–4.5 mm) | 7 to I-9 (4.5–5.5 mm) |
| 4 | Medium (worsted, aran) | Aran, 10 ply | 16–20 | US 7–9 (4.5–5.5 mm) | I-9 to K-10½ (5.5–6.5 mm) |
| 5 | Bulky (chunky) | Chunky, 12 ply | 12–15 | US 9–11 (5.5–8 mm) | K-10½ to M-13 (6.5–9 mm) |
| 6 | Super Bulky (super chunky) | Super chunky, 14 ply | 7–11 | US 11–17 (8–12.75 mm) | M-13 to Q (9–15 mm) |
| 7 | Jumbo | Jumbo | 6 or fewer | US 17 and up (12.75 mm+) | Q and up (15 mm+) |
Ranges follow the Craft Yarn Council standard. They are a starting point: the gauge on your yarn label and your own tension come first.
Where our yarns sit on the chart
| Yarn | Weight | Skein | Needles or hook | Gauge per 10 cm (4 in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FACES | 6 · Super bulky | 200 g / 100 m | US 15–50 (10–25 mm) needles | 6 sts × 9 rows on US 19 (15 mm) |
| BeMe | 5 · Bulky | 100 g / 120 m | US 10½–11 (6.5–8 mm) needles | 12 sts × 16 rows |
| NOVA | light, airy yarn | 50 g / 150 m | US 8–11 (5–8 mm) needles | 11 sts × 20 rows on US 10½ (6.5 mm) |
| CROCHET CRUSH (paper raffia) | 3 · Light | 100 g / 250 m | E-4 to H-8 (3.5–5 mm) hook | 19 sts × 16 rows on a 7 (4.5 mm) hook |
How to tell a yarn's weight
- Check the label: many brands print the 0–7 number inside a small skein symbol, or a name such as DK, aran or chunky.
- Compare length per weight: the fewer yards per ounce, the thicker the yarn. Super bulky is usually under about 90 yd per 3.5 oz (80 m per 100 g); DK is around 220–270 yd (200–250 m).
- Knit a swatch: count stitches over 10 cm (4 in) and match the row in the chart.
FAQ
Are chunky and bulky the same?
Yes. Bulky is the US name and chunky the UK name for weight 5. Super chunky is the same as super bulky (6).
Is worsted the same as aran?
Close, but not identical: both sit in weight 4, with aran slightly thicker. Always compare gauge before substituting.
Can I swap one yarn for another of the same weight?
Usually, if the gauge matches. Knit a 10 cm (4 in) swatch before starting a garment.
What needles should I use for chunky yarn?
See our guide needles for chunky and super bulky yarn, with a full mm/US/UK conversion chart.