Free tools · calculator
Scarf calculator (knit and crochet)
A standard adult scarf is about 7 in wide and 60–70 in long; a child's scarf is about 5 × 40 in. For the cast-on, multiply the width by your stitches per inch: at 18 stitches per 4 in, a 7 in garter-stitch scarf is 32 stitches. A 7 × 65 in worsted scarf takes an estimated 356–380 yards knitted in garter stitch, and the calculator writes out a simple pattern for your numbers.
- Finished size
- 7.1 × 65 in (18 × 165 cm)
- Rows
- 585
- Yarn (estimate)
- 356–380 yd (326–347 m)
- Skeins to buy
- 3 of 200 yd (high estimate + 10%)
Your pattern
- Cast on 32 stitches.
- Every row: knit.
- Repeat until the scarf measures 65 in (about 585 rows), then bind off loosely in pattern.
- Fasten off and weave in the ends. Block lightly if the edges curl.
Scarf sizes
| Scarf | Inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Child | 5 × 40 in | 13 × 102 cm |
| Adult | 7 × 65 in | 18 × 165 cm |
| Long adult | 8 × 75 in | 20 × 191 cm |
| Chunky | 9 × 55 in | 23 × 140 cm |
| Extra long | 8 × 120 in | 20 × 305 cm |
Sizes from common scarf charts (Oombawka Design, AllFreeCrochet, Desert Blossom Crafts). Knitted yardage uses a standard loop-length formula on your gauge; crocheted yardage uses published yards-per-square-inch figures for each yarn weight and stitch.
Worked example: a crocheted scarf
An adult scarf, 7 × 65 in, in worsted yarn and half double crochet, at 12 stitches and 9.5 rows per 4 in.
- Stitches across: 7 × 12 ÷ 4 ≈ 21, so chain 23 and start in the 3rd chain from the hook.
- Rows: 65 × 9.5 ÷ 4 ≈ 154.
- Yarn: about 159–228 yd, so 2 skeins of 200 yd with 10% spare.
Questions
How long should a scarf be?
An adult scarf is usually 60–70 in long (about 65 in is standard), a long scarf about 75 in, and an extra-long wrap-twice scarf up to 120 in. A child's scarf is about 36–40 in. A quick rule: about the wearer's height.
How wide should a scarf be?
Adult scarves are usually 6–8 in wide, chunky ones 8–10 in, and children's 3–5 in.
How many stitches do I cast on for a scarf?
Multiply the width by your stitches per inch. At 18 stitches per 4 in in garter stitch, a 7 in scarf needs 32 stitches.
How much yarn do I need for a scarf?
A 7 × 65 in worsted scarf takes an estimated 356–380 yards knitted in garter stitch, and 159–228 yards crocheted in half double crochet. Fringe adds more.
Which stitch is best for a scarf?
One that lies flat and looks good on both sides: garter, seed stitch or rib for knitting; single, half double or double crochet for crochet. Plain stockinette curls at the edges, so it's left out here.
More free tools
Every number here is an estimate worked out in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere. Yarn use changes with your stitch pattern, tension and fibre, so swatch first and buy from one dye lot. Check your whole pattern before you start.