Yarn Weight Symbols & Categories

Have you ever been confused by that little ball of yarn with the number on it that comes with the pattern instructions? Ever wonder whether your yarn is sport or DK? I know I have. Here's a handy chart that shows the most commnly used symbols and gauges and needle or crochet hook for the size of yarn specified.

Yarn Weight Symbol & Category Name
Types of Yarn in Category	Fingering 10-count crochet thread	Super Fine- Sock, Fingering, Baby	Fine- Sport, Baby	Light - DK, Light Worsted	Medium- Worsted, Afghan, Aran	Bulky- Chunky, Craft, Rug Yarn	Super Bulky- Bulky, Roving
Knit Gauge in Stockinette Stitch over 4 inches	33–40** sts	27–32 sts	23–26 sts	21–24 st	16–20 sts	12–15 sts	6–11 sts
Recommended Needle Metric Size Range	1.5–2.25 mm	2.25— 3.25 mm	3.25— 3.75 mm	3.75— 4.5 mm	4.5— 5.5 mm	5.5— 8 mm	8 mm and larger
Recommended Needle U.S. Size Range	000–1	1 to 3	3 to 5	5 to 7	7 to 9	9 to 11	11 and larger
*Crochet Gauge Ranges in Single Crochet over 4 inch**	32–42 double crochets**	21–32 sts	16–20 sts	12–17 sts	11–14 sts	8–11 sts	5–9 sts
Recommended Hook in Metric Size Range	Steel*** 1.6–1.4 mm	2.25— 3.5 mm	3.5— 4.5 mm	4.5— 5.5 mm	5.5— 6.5 mm	6.5— 9 mm	9 mm and larger
Recommended Hook U.S. Size Range	Steel*** 6, 7, 8 Regular hook B–1	B–1 to E–4	E–4 to 7	7 to I–9	I–9 to K–10 1⁄2	K–10 1⁄2 to M–13	M–13 and larger

* GUIDELINES ONLY: The above reflect the most commonly used gauges and needle or hook sizes for specific yarn categories.

** Lace weight yarns are usually knitted or crocheted on larger needles and hooks to create lacy, openwork patterns. Accordingly, a gauge range is difficult to determine. Always follow the gauge stated in your pattern.

*** Steel crochet hooks are sized differently from regular hooks--the higher the number, the smaller the hook, which is the reverse of regular hook sizing.