Cross stitch size calculator in cm

Prefer inches? Use the cross stitch size calculator in inches.

Fabric counts in centimetres

Fabric count is always quoted per inch, even in metric countries, but many European shops add the number of stitches per 10 cm. This table converts each common fabric:

Fabric	Stitches per inch	Stitches per cm	Per 10 cm	One stitch	100 stitches
11-count Aida	11	4.3	43	2.3 mm	23.1 cm
14-count Aida	14	5.5	55	1.8 mm	18.1 cm
16-count Aida	16	6.3	63	1.6 mm	15.9 cm
18-count Aida	18	7.1	71	1.4 mm	14.1 cm
28-count evenweave (over 2)	14	5.5	55	1.8 mm	18.1 cm
32-count linen (over 2)	16	6.3	63	1.6 mm	15.9 cm

Finished size in cm by stitch count

Stitches	11-ct	14-ct	16-ct	18-ct	28 (over 2)	32 (over 2)
30	6.9	5.4	4.8	4.2	5.4	4.8
50	11.5	9.1	7.9	7.1	9.1	7.9
80	18.5	14.5	12.7	11.3	14.5	12.7
100	23.1	18.1	15.9	14.1	18.1	15.9
120	27.7	21.8	19.1	16.9	21.8	19.1
150	34.6	27.2	23.8	21.2	27.2	23.8
200	46.2	36.3	31.8	28.2	36.3	31.8
250	57.7	45.4	39.7	35.3	45.4	39.7
300	69.3	54.4	47.6	42.3	54.4	47.6

Values are centimetres for one side. A 150 × 100 stitch pattern on 16-count is 23.8 × 15.9 cm.

How many stitches fit a frame

Maximum design size in stitches for common metric frame openings, leaving 1.5 cm of bare fabric between the stitching and the edge of the opening on every side:

Frame opening	11-count	14-count	16-count	18-count
13 × 18 cm	43 × 64	55 × 82	62 × 94	70 × 106
18 × 24 cm	64 × 90	82 × 115	94 × 132	106 × 148
20 × 25 cm	73 × 95	93 × 121	107 × 138	120 × 155
A4 (21 × 29.7 cm)	77 × 115	99 × 147	113 × 168	127 × 189
24 × 30 cm	90 × 116	115 × 148	132 × 170	148 × 191
30 × 40 cm	116 × 160	148 × 203	170 × 233	191 × 262
Hoop Ø 10 cm (square inside)	30 × 30	38 × 38	44 × 44	50 × 50
Hoop Ø 15 cm (square inside)	45 × 45	58 × 58	66 × 66	75 × 75
Hoop Ø 20 cm (square inside)	61 × 61	77 × 77	89 × 89	100 × 100
Hoop Ø 25 cm (square inside)	76 × 76	97 × 97	111 × 111	125 × 125

For a round hoop the table gives the largest square design that fits inside the circle; round or oval designs can be about 25% larger.

Worked examples

1. A 120 × 90 pattern on 16-count Aida. 120 ÷ 16 × 2.54 = 19.1 cm wide and 90 ÷ 16 × 2.54 = 14.3 cm tall. With 8 cm on each side, cut the fabric at 36 × 31 cm.
2. A gift for a 20 × 25 cm frame on 14-count. Subtract 1.5 cm per side for breathing room: 17 × 22 cm of stitching space, which holds 93 × 121 stitches. Set the pattern maker's width to 93 stitches and check the height it reports.
3. Converting a European label. Linen sold as "126 threads per 10 cm" is 32-count; stitched over two threads it gives 63 stitches per 10 cm, the same as 16-count Aida.

Ready to make a pattern of the right size? Set the width in the pattern maker — it shows the finished size in centimetres for the fabric you choose. Then see how to transfer the pattern onto fabric or the Aida count guide.

FAQ

How do I calculate cross stitch size in cm?

Divide the number of stitches by the fabric count and multiply by 2.54. 100 stitches on 14-count Aida is 100 ÷ 14 × 2.54 = 18.1 cm. Or divide by the stitches per centimetre: 14-count has about 5.5 stitches per cm.

What is 14-count Aida in stitches per cm?

About 5.5 stitches per centimetre, or 55 stitches per 10 cm — the way many European shops label it. 11-count is 4.3 per cm, 16-count 6.3 and 18-count 7.1.

How much fabric do I need in cm?

Add at least 8 cm on every side of the finished stitching (16 cm to each dimension) for framing or a hoop. For a large piece or a deep mount add 10 cm per side.

How many stitches fit in an A4 frame?

With 1.5 cm of bare fabric around the stitching, an A4 opening (21 × 29.7 cm) holds 99 × 147 stitches on 14-count Aida and 127 × 189 on 18-count.