This blog post is all about knitting needle sizes and conversion charts. Why is this so important to know?
Well, did you know that knitting needle sizes are not universal? It’s true. Different countries list their knitting needle sizes differently. This can cause confusion if you’re trying to decipher which knitting needle size you actually need for a knitting project.
That’s why we created the following knitting needle size conversion charts.
They’ll help you find the right knitting needle size for your yarn and/or your knitting pattern.
These handy charts also include knitting needle sizes and conversions for Australia and New Zealand, the UK and Canada, the US, and Japan.
Take a look at the charts below.
Knitting Needle Size Chart for AU/NZ, US, and UK/CA
This first knitting needle chart is broken down into four columns. The first column lists knitting needle sizes in millimeters (mm), which is how Australia (AU) and New Zealand (NZ) list their sizes.
The second and third columns show the US knitting needle sizes and the UK knitting needle sizes, respectively. The final column is a crochet hook size chart, which can be useful, especially if you're bistitchual.
This list of knitting needle sizes allows you to cross check US to metric knitting needle sizes, US to UK knitting needle sizes, and UK to mm knitting needle sizes. You can also compare knitting needle to crochet hook conversion.
| Metric (mm) | US Size | UK Size | Crochet Hook Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mm | 000 | - | - |
| 1.75 mm | 00 | - | - |
| 2.00 mm | 0 | 14 | - |
| 2.25 mm | 1 | 13 | B-1 |
| 2.50 mm | 1.5 | - | - |
| 2.75 mm | 2 | 12 | C-2 |
| 3.00 mm | 2.5 | 11 | - |
| 3.125 mm | 3 | - | D |
| 3.25 mm | 3 | 10 | D-3 |
| 3.50 mm | 4 | - | E-4 |
| 3.75 mm | 5 | 9 | F-5 |
| 4.00 mm | 6 | 8 | G-6 |
| 4.25 mm | 6 | - | G |
| 4.50 mm | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| 5.00 mm | 8 | 6 | H-8 |
| 5.25 mm | 9 | - | I |
| 5.50 mm | 9 | 5 | I-9 |
| 5.75 mm | 10 | - | J |
| 6.00 mm | 10 | 4 | J-10 |
| 6.50 mm | 10.5 | 3 | K-10.5 |
| 7.00 mm | 10.75 | 2 | - |
| 7.50 mm | 10.85 | 1 | - |
| 8.00 mm | 11 | 0 | L-11 |
| 9.00 mm | 13 | 00 | M/N-13 |
| 10.00mm | 15 | 000 | N/P-15 |
| 11.50 mm | - | - | P-16 |
| 12.00 mm | 17 | - | - |
| 12.50 mm | 17 | - | - |
| 12.75 mm | 17 | - | - |
| 15.00 mm | 19 | - | P/Q |
| 15.75 mm | - | - | Q |
| 16.00 mm | - | - | Q |
| 19.00 mm | 35 | - | S |
| 20.00 mm | 36 | - | - |
| 25.00 mm | 50 | - | T/U/X |
| 30.00 mm | - | - | T/X |
| 35.00 mm | 70 | - | - |
As you can see from this chart’s columns, both the metric and US knitting needle sizes run in ascending order. The UK knitting needle sizes run in descending order compared to metric and US sizes. Crochet hook sizes include letters and/or numbers, and also run in ascending order.
Common Knitting Needle Sizes
The above needle size chart is quite extensive. But did you know that if you were to purchase a knitting needle set or an interchangeable knitting needle set, it would include fewer sizes? It’s true.
Typically, needle sets only include sizes US 2 through US 15. Why? These are the most common knitting needle sizes.
Get these ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Needle Set - 4" Tips
This list is to show that these are not the only sizes available. So, if you come across an obscure size, this list might help you find what you’re looking for.
Japanese Knitting Needle Size Chart
In the following, you can see the knitting needle conversion chart for Japanese knitting needle sizes. Japan (JPN) also uses the metric system for measurement so you’ll find the sizes in millimeters (mm).
| Metric (mm) | JPN Size |
|---|---|
| 2.1 mm | 0 |
| 2.4 mm | 1 |
| 2.7 mm | 2 |
| 3.0 mm | 3 |
| 3.3 mm | 4 |
| 3.6 mm | 5 |
| 3.9 mm | 6 |
| 4.2 mm | 7 |
| 4.5 mm | 8 |
| 4.8 mm | 9 |
| 5.1 mm | 10 |
| 5.4 mm | 11 |
| 5.7 mm | 12 |
| 6.0 mm | 13 |
| 6.3 mm | 14 |
| 6.6 mm | 15 |
Notice that the knitting needle sizes in this chart are in ascending order, only use numbers, and the millimeters increase in 0.3 mm increments for every whole size measurement.
If you're interested in learning more about interpreting Japanese knitting patterns and/or would like info on their crochet hook sizes, here's a useful link.
Check Your Knitting Needle Size
There are so many different types of knitting needles. Really, it goes without saying that knitting needle sizes will vary from brand to brand and region to region. But I'm saying it anyway.
Before you start knitting, you should always check your knitting needle size for accuracy. Let me show you why.
As seen below, these are Addi flexible double pointed knitting needles (DPNs) used for circular knitting. Notice the label indicates the knitting needle size and/or the millimeter (mm) measurement.
From left to right the labels shows a 2.5 mm knitting needle (US 1), a 2.75 mm knitting needle, and a 3.00 mm knitting needle (US 2).
Get these Addi Flexi Flips Needles:
Since I’m in the US, it would be easy for me to assume that the US sizes listed on the labels are the correct ones, but are they really? Let’s check to be sure.
How do I know what size my knitting needles are? With a knitting needle gauge tool, of course.
One of the most useful tools in your knitting bag of tricks is a knitting needle gauge tool. They come in all shapes and sizes, and have different features and uses. The most important of which is being able to check your knitting needle size.
Here are a few different kinds that are available (shown above and below):
- Boye Knitting Gauge Tool
- Susan Bates Knit-Chek for Knitting Needles
- HiyaHiya Knitting Needle Gauge - Sheep
- ChiaoGoo Swatch & Needle Gauge
Now let me show you how you measure your knitting needles. We'll use the Flexi Flips as an example.
How to Check your Knitting Needle Gauge
To determine your knitting needle size, first take a look at the needle. Most are marked in one way or another. Here you can see the etched marking of 2.50 mm on one end of the Flexi Flip needle.
If the knitting needle lists the size in millimeters, this is a good place to start. Now, let’s verify if these knitting needle sizes are correct.
When measuring your knitting needle gauge, insert the shaft into the hole of the knitting needle sizer. It should fit snugly, as shown in the pictures below. This will give you a good read on the size of needle.
Using my HiyaHiya needle gauge tool, I inserted the smallest knitting needle, the 2.5 mm / US 1, into the 2.5 mm hole for measurement. Lo and behold, the millimeter is correct but the US size is incorrect. It’s actually a US 1.5, not a US 1 as listed on the label and the shaft.
The next one, a 2.75 mm knitting needle, is a size US 2 but doesn’t list it on the label. Not a deal breaker. The last one is labeled as a 3.00 mm knitting needle / US 2, but is actually a US 2.5 knitting needle. Another incorrect size!
This is why it’s so important to check your knitting needle size and your gauge before you start knitting. Incorrect information, missing info, or regional differences could cause you to make a mistake.
Long story short, do your due diligence. It’ll save you time and potential frustration.
To sum up, I hope you found these knitting needle conversion charts to be helpful. Keep them handy as they’ll help you select the right knitting needle sizes for any knitting project.
Looking for a printable knitting needle size chart? We’ve got you covered. Download all the knitting needle conversion charts seen here for easy reference.
Is there a difference between WW2 knitting needle sizes and knitting needles sizes now?
I have a WW2 New Zealand skull cap pattern I want to knit, but the pattern calls for #11 need.es.
That's a great question, Susan! New Zealand often uses millimeters but, if that's not indicated in the pattern, the needle sizes fall under the UK conversions, which you'll find in the chart I provided in the post.