Needlecrafts Knitting Knitting Basics

Everything You Need to Know About Knitting Needle Sizes

By
Sarah E. White
9780811711463-LowRes.jpg
Sarah E. White
Sarah E. White is a highly regarded knitting expert with over two decades of hands-on crafting and writing experience. She has authored three books on the subject, including "Quick and Easy Baby Knits," and was an editor for the website Love to Know Crafts.
Learn more about The Spruce Crafts' Editorial Process
Updated on 03/27/20
Tools-circular-knitting-needles
C. Gering / Getty Images

Most knitting patterns specify what size knitting needles you will need. This makes sense because the designer wants you to be able to recreate the project successfully. However, knitting needle sizes can change based on what country they're from, so you'll want to confirm you have the right pair for your project. 

Varieties

Many patterns offer both the U.S. and metric equivalent numbers so that there will be no confusion as to which size needle to use. For example, some instructions say to use a pair of size eight U.S. (five mm) knitting needles, so no matter where you live, you can find the right needles to complete the project.

However, where things get confusing for most knitters is that the UK also had its own needle sizes at one time, as did Canada. It's very uncommon to run into patterns with Canadian needle sizes. Currently, British non-metric sizes are most likely to be found on older patterns, since the metric measures have been used for the past 30 years or so.

If a pattern includes all of these numbers, you've got no problem, but if the only number listed is one you aren't familiar with, you'll need a needle conversion chart.

Metric, American, and British Sizes

The world would be a simpler place if there were a standard for knitting needle sizes, but unfortunately, there are three. The British and American versions are opposites, with the American system starting with low numbers for needles with smaller diameters and working up to larger numbers for larger diameters, while the British system starts with high numbers for low diameters and low numbers for high diameters.

The metric measurements indicate the diameter of the needle in millimeters. The only place the American and British numbering systems agree is at 4.5 mm; both countries call that a size seven.

Conversion Chart

Here is a list of the most common sizes of knitting needles in metric, U.S., and U.K. measurements. 

Metric American British
2 mm 0 14
2.25 mm 1 13
2.75 mm 2 12
3 mm N/A 11
3.25 mm 3 10
3.50 mm 4 N/A
3.75 mm 5 9
4 mm 6 8
4.50 mm 7 7
5 mm 8 6
5.50 mm 9 5
6 mm 10 4
6.50 mm 10.5 3
7 mm N/A 2
7.50 mm N/A 1
8 mm 11 0
9 mm 13 00
10 mm 15 000
11 mm 17 N/A
19 mm 19 N/A
25 mm 50 N/A

Why Does Size Matter?

The size of the needle affects the length of the stitches and thus your finished product. The concept of gauge, or how many stitches fit into 1 inch of knitting, relies heavily on the size of the needles. Usually, larger needles will produce a larger gauge, but the type and weight of the yarn also will make a difference.

If your gauge doesn't match what the pattern calls for, try changing the size of your needles. Knitting a test swatch before you begin your project is an excellent way to check the gauge of the yarn and needle combination you've chosen.