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

Table Of Contents
- How Much Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Yards Of Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need To Knit A Sweater?
- How Many Skeins Of Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
- How Many Balls Of Sport Weight Yarn For A Sweater?
- How Many Ounces Of Sport Weight Yarn For A Sweater?
I recommend using a pattern to knit a sweater. The designer gives the yarn weight and yardage. The example pattern I’m using is the Keiko Sweater by Sari Nordlund. It’s a great option for beginners.
Note: In this pattern, the sport weight yarn is held double.
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 sport weight #3 yarn.
How Much Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
Size Extra Small
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 36 inches (93 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2012 yards (1840 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 19.8 oz (550 g). Number of skeins is 11 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).
Size XS Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Sport Weight Yarn (#3)
Final Size (In)
36 inches
Final Size (Cm)
93 cm
Estimated Yardage
2012 yards
Estimated Meterage
1840 meters
Estimated Ounces
19.8 oz
Estimated Grams
550 g
Estimated Skeins
11 skeins
Size Small
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 39 inches (100 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2190 yards (2100 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 21.6 oz (600 g). Number of skeins is 12 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).
Size S Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Sport Weight Yarn (#3)
Final Size (In)
39 inches
Final Size (Cm)
100 cm
Estimated Yardage
2190 yards
Estimated Meterage
2000 meters
Estimated Ounces
21.6 oz
Estimated Grams
600 g
Estimated Skeins
12 skeins
Size Medium
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41 inches (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2300 yards (2100 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 21.6 oz (600 g). Number of skeins is 12 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).
Size M Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Sport Weight Yarn (#3)
Final Size (In)
41 inches
Final Size (Cm)
105 cm
Estimated Yardage
2300 yards
Estimated Meterage
2100 meters
Estimated Ounces
21.6 oz
Estimated Grams
600 g
Estimated Skeins
12 skeins
Size Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 44 inches (112 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2360 yards (2400 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 25.2 oz (700 g). Number of skeins is 14 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).
Size L Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Sport Weight Yarn (#3)
Final Size (In)
44 inches
Final Size (Cm)
112 cm
Estimated Yardage
2630 yards
Estimated Meterage
2400 meters
Estimated Ounces
25.2 oz
Estimated Grams
700 g
Estimated Skeins
14 skeins
Size Extra Large
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 48 inches (124 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2960 yards (2700 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn. A total weight of 28.8 oz (800 g). Number of skeins is 16 skeins (each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).
Size XL Sweater Yarn Estimates
With Sport Weight Yarn (#3)
Final Size (In)
48 inches
Final Size (Cm)
124 cm
Estimated Yardage
2960 yards
Estimated Meterage
2700 meters
Estimated Ounces
28.8 oz
Estimated Grams
800 g
Estimated Skeins
16 skeins
How Many Yards Of Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need to Knit A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 2300 yards (2100 meters) of sport weight #3 yarn.
How Many Skeins Of Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 12 skeins of sport weight #3 yarn. (Each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).
How Many Balls Of Sport Weight Yarn Do I Need For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105 cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 12 balls of sport weight #3 yarn. (Each skein weighs 1.8 oz – 50 g).
How Many Ounces Of Sport Weight Yarn For A Sweater?
To knit a sweater with finished chest measurements of 41″ (105cm) using the example pattern, you need a minimum of 21.6 oz (600 g) of sport weight #3 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.