Loopy PandaCrochet Increase and Decrease Calculator
To space increases evenly, divide the stitches you have by the number of increases: that is the size of each repeat, made of one increase and the rest plain stitches. With 30 stitches and 6 increases, each repeat uses 5 stitches, so work (sc 4, inc) ×6 to get 36. A decrease uses 2 stitches, so with 36 stitches and 6 decreases work (sc 4, dec) ×6 to get 30.
How to use the calculator
- Enter your stitches nowUse the stitch count at the end of the previous round.
- Enter how many to add or removeFor a flat circle or a round amigurumi piece in single crochet, this is usually 6.
- Choose increase or decreaseThe round appears straight away, with its new stitch count.
- Move every other roundUse the staggered version on alternate rounds, so corners don't build up.
Worked examples
| Stitches now | Change | Each repeat uses | Write it as | New total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 6 increases | 3 stitches | (sc 2, inc) ×6 | 24 |
| 30 | 6 increases | 5 stitches | (sc 4, inc) ×6 | 36 |
| 20 | 4 increases | 5 stitches | (sc 4, inc) ×4 | 24 |
| 36 | 6 decreases | 6 stitches | (sc 4, dec) ×6 | 30 |
| 24 | 6 decreases | 4 stitches | (sc 2, dec) ×6 | 18 |
When the numbers don't divide evenly
If the stitches don't divide exactly, some repeats are one stitch longer. With 26 stitches and 4 increases, the repeats use 6, 7, 6 and 7 stitches. The calculator spreads the longer repeats out and writes the whole round.
The formula
- Increases: plain stitches in each repeat = stitches ÷ increases − 1. New total = stitches + increases.
- Decreases: plain stitches in each repeat = stitches ÷ decreases − 2. New total = stitches − decreases.
- You can't work more increases than you have stitches, or more decreases than half your stitches.
Chart symbols on this page
Frequently asked questions
How many stitches do I add in a crochet circle?
In single crochet, usually 6 per round. See how to crochet a flat circle.
Why does a decrease use 2 stitches?
A decrease works 2 stitches together into 1, so it uses 2 stitches of the previous round and makes 1.
What does staggered mean?
The increases sit in a different place from the round below, for example (sc 2, inc, sc 2) instead of (sc 4, inc). The count is the same, and the piece stays round rather than forming corners.
Can I use this for double crochet?
Yes, the spacing works the same way with any stitch. Replace sc with your stitch. Taller stitches need more increases per round to lie flat.
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