Cast-On Calculator
Calculate starting stitches using gauge and repeats.
Cast-On Calculator: Quick Calculation
How Cast-On Calculator Works?
The Cast-On Calculator works by finding a cast-on that suits your target width, your gauge and the pattern's Repeat Multiple. Target Stitches holds the raw stitch count, and the calculator panel turns a width and gauge into that count.
Find the raw count
Enter your swatch stitches and target width in the calculator to get the raw stitch count.
Set the repeat multiple
Press → to set Repeat Multiple to the pattern's multiple, such as 6.
Round to the multiple
Round the raw count to the nearest multiple.
Add edge stitches
Add the pattern's extra stitches, such as "+ 2" for selvedges.
Cast-On Calculator Formula
The Cast-On Calculator formula is cast-on = round(width × gauge ÷ multiple) × multiple + extra. The extra stitches come from the pattern, such as "multiple of 8 + 3".
- Raw count
S = W × gW is the width and g is stitches per inch.
- Rounded count
S' = round(S ÷ m) × mm is the Repeat Multiple.
- Cast-on
C = S' + ee is the extra stitches.
Worked example: A 30 in (76.2 cm) wrap at 5 stitches per inch with a multiple of 8 + 3 gives 150 raw stitches, rounded to 152, plus 3 = 155 stitches.
Cast-On Calculator Conversion Table
The Cast-On Calculator conversion table gives cast-ons for a 30 in (76.2 cm) width at 5 stitches per inch for 6 pattern multiples.
| Multiple | Rounded count | Extra | Cast-on | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 + 1 | 150 | 1 | 151 | 30.2 in |
| 4 + 2 | 152 | 2 | 154 | 30.8 in |
| 6 + 3 | 150 | 3 | 153 | 30.6 in |
| 8 + 3 | 152 | 3 | 155 | 31 in |
| 10 + 1 | 150 | 1 | 151 | 30.2 in |
| 12 + 2 | 144 | 2 | 146 | 29.2 in |
| 18 + 2 | 144 | 2 | 146 | 29.2 in |
Widths use 5 stitches per inch.
What is Cast-On Calculator?
A Cast-On Calculator is a tool that finds a starting stitch count that matches your width, your gauge and the pattern's stitch multiple. Stitch patterns only fit when the cast-on suits their repeat.
A cast-on that ignores the multiple leaves half a repeat at one edge. The calculator rounds to the multiple and adds the edges.
The Stitches Counter tool stores the target stitches and the repeat multiple in your browser.
What are the uses of Cast-On Calculator?
There are 4 main uses of the Cast-On Calculator, including scarves, blankets and custom-width garments.
Scarves
Cast on for a set width in a stitch pattern.
Blankets
Find a blanket cast-on that fits the repeat.
Custom garments
Cast on for your own width.
Pattern swaps
Put a new stitch pattern into a plain design.
About the Cast-On Calculator
Calculate ideal cast-on numbers factoring in repeat multiples plus edge/selvedge buffer stitches for customized pattern widths.
How to Use This Tool Efficiently
- ✓Enter repeat formulas like "Multiple of 8 + 2 selvedges".
- ✓Finds the closest mathematically compatible count to your target dimensions.
Browse All Stitches Counter Tools
Explore all 132 specialized counters, calculators, and trackers in our collection.