Crochet Starting Chain Calculator

How this works

The math is the same as a knitter's cast-on: width × gauge → stitch count. What's different in crochet is that you usually need a few extra chains at the start so row 1 can be worked at the height of your stitch. Those are your turning chains — and the calculator adds them for you so the number it gives is exactly how many chains to crochet.

How many turning chains?

Turning-chain conventions vary slightly by pattern source, but the common values are:

• Single crochet (sc) — 1 turning chain.
• Half-double crochet (hdc) — 2 turning chains.
• Double crochet (dc) — 3 turning chains.
• Treble crochet (tr) — 4 turning chains.
• Foundation single crochet (FSC) — set turning chain to 0. With FSC each stitch creates its own foundation, so there's no separate chain to make at the start.

What's a stitch multiple?

Many crochet stitch patterns repeat every N stitches — a shell pattern might repeat every 6, a granny stripe every 3. Setting a stitch multiple ensures your foundation row fits the pattern cleanly so you don't end with a half-repeat at the edge.

Tips for accurate gauge

• Crochet a swatch at least 4 inches × 4 inches in the stitch you'll be working row 1.
• Wash and block the swatch — your gauge will change after blocking.
• Measure across the middle of the swatch, not the edges (chains skew the edge count).
• If your gauge differs from the pattern's, the gauge converter adjusts the numbers so your finished size still comes out right.
• Once you've got your starting chain, the row-count calculator works out how many rows to crochet for your finished length.