Our included yarn calculation table gives you quick answers to the question – How much aran yarn do I need to knit a sweater? No running out of yarn!

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 17, 2023.
Table Of Contents
- How Much Aran Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Yards Of Aran Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Skeins Of Aran Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
- How Many Balls Of Aran Yarn For A Sweater?
- How Many Ounces Of Aran Yarn For A Sweater?
I recommend using a pattern to knit a sweater. The designer gives the recommended yarn, yarn weight and yardage. The example pattern I’m using is the Bricksy Joy Sweater by Griselda Zárate. It’s a great option for beginners.
Here’s my handy guide to how much yarn for knitting a sweater in 5 sizes and yards of yarn required when using the example pattern in aran weight #4 yarn. This is thicker than sport weight and thinner than chunky yarn.
How Much Aran Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
Size Small
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 32 inches (82 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,148 yards (1,050 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of oz (700 g). Number of skeins is 7 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size S Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)
Final Size (In)
32 inches
Final Size (Cm)
82 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,148 yards
Estimated Meterage
1,050 meters
Estimated Ounces
24.5 oz
Estimated Grams
700 g
Estimated Skeins
7 skeins
Size Medium
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 36 inches (92 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,312 yards (1,192 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of 28 oz (800 g). Number of skeins is 8 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size M Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)
Final Size (In)
36 inches
Final Size (Cm)
92 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,312 yards
Estimated Meterage
1,192 meters
Estimated Ounces
28 oz
Estimated Grams
800 g
Estimated Skeins
8 skeins
Size Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40 inches (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,476 yards (1,350 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of 31.5 oz (900 g). Number of skeins is 9 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size L Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)
Final Size (In)
40 inches
Final Size (Cm)
102 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,476 yards
Estimated Meterage
1,350 meters
Estimated Ounces
31.5 oz
Estimated Grams
900 g
Estimated Skeins
9 skeins
Size Extra Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 44 inches (112 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,476 yards (1,350 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of oz (g). Number of skeins is 9 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)
Final Size (In)
44 inches
Final Size (Cm)
112 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,476 yards
Estimated Meterage
1,350 meters
Estimated Ounces
31.5 oz
Estimated Grams
900 g
Estimated Skeins
9 skeins
Size 2 Extra Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 48 inches (122 cm), – (using the example pattern) you need a minimum of 1,640 yards (1,500 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn. A total weight of 35 oz (1000 g). Number of skeins is 10 skeins (each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
Size 2XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Aran Weight Yarn (#4)
Final Size (In)
48 inches
Final Size (Cm)
122 cm
Estimated Yardage
1,640 yards
Estimated Meterage
1,500 meters
Estimated Ounces
35 oz
Estimated Grams
1000 g
Estimated Skeins
10 skeins
How Many Yards Of Aran Yarn Do I Need to Knit A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40″ (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 1,476 yards (1,350 meters) of aran weight #4 yarn.
How Many Skeins Of Aran Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40″ (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 9 skeins of aran weight #4 yarn. (Each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
How Many Balls Of Aran Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40″ (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 9 balls of aran weight #4 yarn. (Each skein weighs 3.5 oz – 100 g).
How Many Ounces Of Aran Yarn For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 40″ (102 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 31.5 oz (900 g) of aran weight #4 yarn.
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Conclusion
Now you know how much yarn you need to knit a sweater, it’s time to start your next project! Want more fun knitting content, resources and inspiration? Sign up to our email list below for exclusive goodies only for subscribers.