Reference
Needle Size Guide
Pick your yarn weight to see the needle sizes and gauge range that suit it, plus a note on how well it works for socks. When in doubt, swatch and let the gauge calculator confirm your stitches per inch.
Fingering / 4ply
Great for socks- Metric needles
- 2.0–2.75 mm
- US needles
- US 0–2
- Typical gauge
- 7–9 sts/in
The classic sock yarn. Hard-wearing, fine fabric — go down a needle size for a denser cuff.
All yarn weights at a glance
| Yarn weight | Metric | US | Gauge | Socks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5–2.25 mm | US 000–1 | 10+ sts/in | Occasional use | |
| 2.0–2.75 mm | US 0–2 | 7–9 sts/in | Great for socks | |
| 2.5–3.25 mm | US 1–3 | 6–7 sts/in | Occasional use | |
| 3.0–3.75 mm | US 2–5 | 5–6 sts/in | Great for socks | |
| 3.5–4.5 mm | US 4–7 | 4–5 sts/in | Occasional use | |
| 5.0–6.0 mm | US 8–10 | 3–4 sts/in | Not for socks |
Tip: needle sizes are a starting point. Your personal gauge can vary with the yarn, the needle material and how loosely you knit — always swatch to be sure.