ChiaoGoo TWIST Red Lace Interchangeable Needle Set
Surgical stainless steel lace tips and memory-free multi-strand steel cables that never curl or kink.
Check on AmazonKnitting & crochet calculator
Increase/Decrease Evenly Calculator
Enter your current stitch count and your target stitch count, and this calculator spaces the increases or decreases evenly across the row and gives you the exact repeat instruction.
Patterns often say "increase 8 stitches evenly across the row" or "decrease 10 stitches evenly spaced" without spelling out exactly where those increases or decreases should fall. Spacing them evenly, rather than bunching them together, is what keeps the fabric looking uniform.
This calculator distributes the change points as evenly as possible across your existing stitches, using the standard even-spacing method knitting and crochet designers use. If the math doesn't divide perfectly evenly, it splits the row into two repeat groups (one slightly larger, one slightly smaller) rather than lumping the remainder at one end.
Worked example: decreasing 100 stitches down to 90 evenly gives the instruction "K8, k2tog - repeat 10 times," using k2tog as the decrease. Increasing 48 stitches up to 54 gives "K7, kfb - repeat 6 times," using kfb as the increase.
Recommended hardware
Essential craft tools for this project
Trusted, high-grade craft supplies and equipment tested for precision.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases to help fund Knittster.
ChiaoGoo Shorties Small Interchangeable Set
Specialized 2" & 3" tips for seamless small-circumference socks, collars, sleeves, and baby hats.
Check on AmazonKnitIQ Interlocking Grid-Marked Blocking Mats with T-Pins
Thick steam-resistant foam with 1-inch alignment grid lines for blocking to exact dimensions.
Check on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What decrease and increase methods does this assume?
The instructions use k2tog for decreases and kfb (knit into front and back) for increases, the two most common methods. You can substitute your preferred method (ssk, m1, yo, etc.) as long as it consumes or produces the same number of stitches.
What if the stitches don't divide evenly?
The calculator splits the row into two repeat groups with slightly different knit-stitch counts between change points, rather than putting all the extra stitches in one spot, which keeps the spacing visually balanced.
Does this work for both increases and decreases?
Yes - enter a target count higher than your current count for increases, or lower for decreases, and the calculator handles either direction.
Can I use this for crochet as well as knitting?
Yes, the even-spacing math is the same; just substitute your crochet increase (2 sc in one stitch) or decrease (sc2tog) for kfb/k2tog in the instructions.