Yarn Weight Chart for Crochet

BeginnerReference Updated 2026-09-24

Yarn is grouped into eight standard weights from 0 (Lace) to 7 (Jumbo). The most common for crochet are 3 Light (DK), 4 Medium (worsted or aran) and 5 Bulky (chunky). Each weight has a recommended hook range, such as 5.5–6.5 mm for worsted. For amigurumi, use a smaller hook than the label suggests.

Standard yarn weight chart

This follows the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) yarn weight system. The number is often printed on the yarn label inside a small skein symbol.

Weight	Name	Also called	UK name	Recommended crochet hook
0	Lace	fingering (10-count) crochet thread	lace	steel hooks, or B-1 (2.25 mm) regular hook
1	Super Fine	sock, fingering, baby	4-ply	2.25–3.5 mm (B-1 to E-4)
2	Fine	sport, baby	—	3.5–4.5 mm (E-4 to 7)
3	Light	DK, light worsted	DK	4.5–5.5 mm (7 to I-9)
4	Medium	worsted, afghan, aran	aran	5.5–6.5 mm (I-9 to K-10½)
5	Bulky	chunky, craft, rug	chunky	6.5–9 mm (K-10½ to M/N-13)
6	Super Bulky	super bulky, roving	super chunky	9–15 mm (M/N-13 to Q)
7	Jumbo	jumbo, roving	—	15 mm and larger (Q and larger)

The hook ranges are what the yarn industry suggests for garments and blankets. The yarn label is the best guide for a specific yarn. For hook conversions, see the crochet hook size chart.

Yarn weight for amigurumi

Amigurumi can be made in any weight. The weight changes the finished size, not the pattern. The same pattern in DK comes out smaller than in worsted.

Use a smaller hook than the label. Tight stitches keep stuffing from showing. Worsted is often worked with a 3.5–4 mm hook and DK with a 2.5–3.5 mm hook.
Match the pattern's hook and yarn. If you change the weight, the toy changes size, and safety eyes may need to be a different size too.
Chinese yarn names. Chinese patterns often name a yarn type instead of a weight, such as 牛奶棉 (milk cotton). Use the hook size in mm and the finished size to choose a substitute.

How to tell yarn weights apart

Read the label. Look for the weight number (0–7) or a name like DK or worsted, plus the suggested hook or needle size.
Compare length per weight. Two yarns with a similar length per 100 g (or per 50 g) are usually a similar weight. Fiber type changes this a little.
Make a swatch. Crochet a small square with the hook you plan to use. This is the only sure way to know how the yarn behaves in your hands.

Frequently asked questions

Is DK yarn the same as worsted?

No. DK is weight 3 (Light) and worsted is weight 4 (Medium), so worsted is thicker. Some yarns labeled “light worsted” sit close to DK.

Is aran the same as worsted?

They are both weight 4 (Medium). Aran is usually a little thicker than worsted, but many patterns treat them as interchangeable.

What does 4-ply mean in the UK?

In UK patterns, 4-ply is a thin yarn close to US fingering weight (weight 1, Super Fine). It does not mean the yarn has four strands.

What weight is milk cotton yarn?

It varies by brand. Milk cotton (牛奶棉) is a fibre name, not a weight. Check the label for the suggested hook size in mm, and compare the length per 50 g with the yarn in your pattern.

What yarn weight is best for beginners?

Medium (4, worsted) or Light (3, DK) in a smooth, light-coloured yarn. It is easy to see each stitch, which helps when counting.