StitchCalcsKnitting increase & decrease evenly calculator
Spread increases or decreases evenly across a row or round and get a line you can follow, like “K4, k2tog, (K8, k2tog) 9 times, K4.”
How to use this calculator
- Choose whether your pattern says to increase or decrease evenly.
- Enter the stitches you have now and how many to add or remove.
- Pick in the round or flat. For flat knitting, say whether you're on the knit or purl side, and the instructions switch to purl stitches.
- Follow either version of the result. Both end with the same stitch count.
How the stitches are spaced
Each decrease (k2tog) works two stitches together, so it uses two of your current stitches. The stitches that are left over are shared out as plain knit stitches between the decreases. For example, decreasing 10 from 100 stitches:
100 − (10 × 2) = 80 plain stitches
80 ÷ 10 decreases = 8 plain stitches before each k2tog
Result: (K8, k2tog) 10 times → 90 stitches
An M1 makes a new stitch between two existing ones, so it uses none. A kfb is worked into one stitch and turns it into two, so it uses one.
When the numbers don't divide exactly, some gaps are one stitch longer than others. The easiest to follow version puts all the longer gaps together so the line is short. The most evenly spaced version scatters them across the row, which matters most on big stitch counts or very visible fabric.
Why flat rows start and end with plain stitches
When you knit flat, the calculator splits one gap between the two ends of the row, so no increase or decrease sits on the edge stitch. That keeps the edges tidy for seaming or picking up stitches later. In the round there are no edges, so every repeat is the same.
Choosing a decrease or increase
- k2tog leans right. Use ssk instead for a left-leaning decrease; the stitch counts are the same.
- On the purl side the matching decrease is p2tog.
- M1 is the least visible increase and doesn't need a stitch of its own. M1P is its purl-side version.
- kfb leaves a small bar under the new stitch. It's quick and easy to see when counting.
Tips
- Place a stitch marker every few repeats so you can check your count before the end of the row.
- If your pattern is ribbed or textured, check the new stitch count still fits the stitch pattern before you start.
- Your pattern may tell you to increase or decrease "about" evenly. Small differences in spacing won't show once the piece is blocked.