Knitting & crochet calculator
Sock Calculator
Enter foot circumference and sock gauge to estimate cast-on stitches, heel stitches, instep stitches, and where to begin toe shaping.
Socks need negative ease so they stay fitted instead of bagging around the foot. A common starting point is 10% negative ease, then rounding the result to a multiple that suits your ribbing or stitch pattern.
This calculator uses foot circumference, stitch gauge, and negative ease to estimate the sock cast-on. It also splits the rounded stitch count into heel and instep stitches, which is the usual starting point for many cuff-down and toe-up sock patterns.
Worked example: an 8-inch foot circumference at 32 stitches per 4 inches has 8 stitches per inch. With 10% negative ease, the effective circumference is 7.2 inches, or about 58 stitches. Rounded to a multiple of 4, that becomes 60 stitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use foot circumference instead of shoe size?
Foot circumference is more reliable because shoe sizes do not describe how wide the foot is. Sock cast-on counts are driven mostly by circumference and gauge.
How much negative ease should socks have?
A common range is 5-15% negative ease. Use less for firm yarn or tight stitch patterns, and more for stretchy ribbing or socks that need a snug fit.
Why round sock stitches to a multiple of 4?
Many sock cuffs use k2, p2 ribbing or stitch patterns that work cleanly over multiples of 4. You can change the multiple if your pattern needs something else.
When should I start toe shaping?
A common estimate is about 2 inches before the desired finished foot length. The exact point depends on toe style, row gauge, and how pointed or rounded you want the toe.