Knitting & crochet calculator
Stitch Multiple Calculator
Enter your gauge, target width, and the pattern's stated stitch multiple (like "multiple of 4 + 2") to get the exact cast-on count and the nearest valid counts above and below it.
Many stitch patterns - cables, lace, colorwork charts - only repeat correctly if your total stitch count fits a specific formula, usually written as "a multiple of X, plus Y." If you cast on a stitch count that doesn't satisfy that formula, the pattern repeat won't line up and you'll end up with a partial, broken repeat at the end of every row.
This calculator takes your gauge and desired finished width to find your target stitch count, then rounds it to the nearest stitch counts (above and below) that actually satisfy the pattern's multiple. You can choose whichever is closer to your desired size.
Worked example: at a gauge of 20 stitches per 4 inches, a 20-inch-wide panel targets 100 stitches. For a stitch pattern that's "a multiple of 4 + 2," the nearest valid counts are 98 and 102.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "multiple of 4 + 2" actually mean?
It means the total stitch count must equal 4 times some whole number, plus 2 - valid counts are 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, and so on.
Should I round up or down to the nearest valid count?
Either works mathematically. Round toward whichever count gets you closer to your target finished measurement, and remember you can always adjust with a few extra stitches in a border or seam allowance.
Where do I find the stitch multiple for my pattern?
It's usually stated directly in the pattern's stitch guide or chart notes, often as "multiple of X sts" or "multiple of X sts + Y."
Does this work for both knitting and crochet stitch patterns?
Yes - the multiple-plus-offset formula works the same way for both crafts since it's just describing how many stitches one full pattern repeat takes.