Circular Knitting Calculator ⭕
Calculate cast-on stitches for circular knitting from any circumference and gauge. Includes ribbing adjustment and magic loop recommendation.
FAQ
How do I calculate cast-on stitches for circular knitting?
Divide your target circumference by 4 inches (or convert to inches), then multiply by your gauge (stitches per 4 inches). Round to the nearest whole number.
Why adjust to a multiple of 4 for ribbing?
2×2 ribbing (k2, p2) repeats over 4 stitches. Rounding your cast-on to a multiple of 4 ensures the ribbing pattern works out evenly around the circumference.
When should I use magic loop?
Magic loop is recommended when the circumference is less than 16 inches — too small for a standard 16" circular needle. It allows you to knit small circumferences on a long circular needle.
What is tension ease in circular knitting?
Tension ease is the difference between your target circumference and the actual circumference given by the stitch count. A small positive value means the knit piece is slightly larger than the target.