Yarn Weight Chart: Lace to Jumbo
All CYC categories with needle size, run length and UK names
| CYC | Yarn Weight (US) | UK Name | Run Length (m/100g) | Needle Size (mm) | Gauge (10×10 cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Lace | Cobweb / Lace | 400+ | 1.5–2.25 | 33–40 |
| 1 | Fingering | 4 ply / Sock | 350–400 | 2.25–3.25 | 27–32 |
| 2 | Sport | 5 ply | 250–350 | 3.25–3.75 | 23–26 |
| 3 | DK | DK / 8 ply | 200–250 | 3.75–4.5 | 21–24 |
| 4 | Worsted / Aran | Aran / 10 ply | 120–200 | 4.5–5.5 | 16–20 |
| 5 | Bulky / Chunky | Chunky / 12 ply | 60–120 | 5.5–8 | 12–15 |
| 6 | Super Bulky | Super Chunky | 40–60 | 8–12 | 7–11 |
| 7 | Jumbo | Jumbo | < 40 | 12+ | 1–6 |
All values are guidelines, the yarn label is always the most reliable source.
Yarn weights don't have to be confusing. The CYC system (Craft Yarn Council) divides all yarns into 8 categories, from Lace (0) to Jumbo (7). You'll find the CYC symbol on most yarn labels — a small skein icon with a number.
Run length is often more useful than skein weight: a 50 g skein of Lace yarn can hold over 400 m, while a Bulky skein of the same weight may only give you 60 m. When substituting a yarn, always compare run lengths — not just the weight category.
The gauge values in the table are guidelines. Your personal tension may differ, which is exactly why swatching before every project matters. A swatch is your insurance policy against a finished piece that doesn't fit.
On platforms like Ravelry you'll also encounter British terms: what the US calls Bulky is Chunky in the UK, and UK Aran matches US Worsted (CYC 4). The “UK Name” column in the table maps the most common equivalents.
Looking for a substitute for a specific project?
→ Find a yarn substituteRelated guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CYC mean?
CYC stands for Craft Yarn Council, the organisation that created the standard yarn weight system. It classifies yarns into 8 categories from 0 (Lace) to 7 (Jumbo). You'll often find the CYC symbol on yarn labels as a small skein icon with a number inside.
What needle size should I use for DK yarn?
DK (Double Knitting) works best with needles between 3.75 and 4.5 mm. Always knit a gauge swatch first, you may need to go up or down a size to match your pattern's tension.
What is run length and why does it matter?
Run length tells you how many metres of yarn are on a skein, regardless of weight. When substituting a yarn, try to match the run length as closely as possible, otherwise you may need more or fewer skeins than the pattern calls for.
How do I figure out which yarn weight I have?
Check the label first, the recommended needle size is usually printed there. If the label is missing: cast on 10 stitches with 4 mm needles and measure over 10 cm. Match your stitch count to the gauge column in the table above.
Can I substitute one yarn for another?
Yes, as long as the gauge and fibre content are similar. Yarn weight alone isn't enough: two Worsted yarns can have very different run lengths. Our finder compares all the relevant properties for you.