Crochet Circle Calculator
Created by: Lucas Grant
Last updated:
Calculate the rounds, stitches, increases, and yarn needed to crochet a perfectly flat circle of any diameter. Supports single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet with round-by-round stitch breakdowns.
Crochet Circle Calculator
CrochetCalculate rounds, stitches, and yarn for a flat circle of any diameter
Target Circle Size
Your Gauge
Related Calculators
What is a Crochet Circle Calculator?
A Crochet Circle Calculator computes the rounds, stitch counts, increases, and yarn needed to crochet a flat circle to any target diameter. Circles are one of the most fundamental shapes in crochet — they form the base of hats, amigurumi, rugs, baskets, coasters, and mandala patterns.
The key to a flat circle is the correct number of increases per round. Too few increases create a bowl (cupping); too many create a ruffled disc. This calculator uses your gauge and stitch type to produce exact round-by-round stitch counts for a perfectly flat circle.
Crochet Circle Formulas
Circumference of target circle: π × Diameter
Stitches on final round: Circumference × Gauge (stitches per inch)
Increase per round: SC = 6, HDC = 8, DC = 12 (standard flat circle rules)
Number of rounds: (Final round stitches − Starting stitches) ÷ Increase per round
Total stitches: Sum of all rounds from starting ring to final round
Diameter per round: Approximately (2 × stitch height) ÷ gauge adjustment
Circle Calculation Example
You want an 8-inch diameter coaster in single crochet with a gauge of 5 stitches per inch.
- Circumference = π × 8 = 25.1 inches
- Stitches on final round = 25.1 × 5 ≈ 126 stitches → round to nearest multiple of 6 → 126
- Starting with 6 sc in magic ring, increasing by 6 per round
- Number of rounds = (126 − 6) ÷ 6 = 20 rounds
- Round 1: 6 st, Round 2: 12 st, Round 3: 18 st … Round 20: 126 st
- Total stitches = 6 + 12 + 18 + … + 126 = 1,320 stitches
- Estimated yarn ≈ ~24 yards
Common Applications
- Coasters & Pot Holders — small circles from 4–8 inches in diameter
- Placemats — medium circles around 12–14 inches
- Rugs — large circles from 24–60+ inches using bulky yarn or t-shirt yarn
- Hat Crowns — the flat top of any crocheted hat starts as a circle
- Amigurumi Pieces — flat circles that are then gathered or stuffed for faces and bodies
- Mandala Patterns — decorative circles with colour changes and stitch variety
Tips for Accurate Results
- Stagger your increases — don't stack them directly above each other round after round, or the circle becomes a polygon.
- Block your finished circle by steam pressing or wet blocking for perfectly flat results.
- If the circle starts cupping after 4–5 rounds, your gauge may be tighter than measured — try going up a hook size.
- For multi-colour circles, add an extra yard per colour change for weaving in ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I crochet a flat circle that doesn't curl?
Use the correct number of increases per round for your stitch type: 6 per round for single crochet, 8 for half double crochet, and 12 for double crochet. If the circle cups, add an extra increase; if it ruffles, remove one. This calculator gives you the exact increase count for flat circles.
How many stitches do I need for a crochet circle?
The number depends on your target diameter and gauge. For single crochet at 5 stitches per inch, a 10-inch circle needs about 157 stitches on the final round (circumference × gauge). Each round adds the base increase count — typically 6 for sc, 8 for hdc, 12 for dc.
What is the formula for a crochet circle?
Circumference = π × Diameter. Stitches on final round = Circumference × Gauge. Number of rounds = (Final stitches − Starting stitches) ÷ Increase per round. Starting stitches are typically 6 for single crochet or 12 for double crochet in a magic ring.
Why does my crochet circle ruffle or cup?
Cupping means too few stitches — your circle is becoming a bowl. Add more increases per round. Ruffling means too many stitches — the fabric has nowhere to go but wave. Reduce increases or skip an increase round. Blocking can fix minor waviness.
What can I make with crochet circles?
Crochet circles are the foundation for coasters, pot holders, rugs, placemats, hat crowns, amigurumi faces, mandalas, and circular blankets. They're also the starting point for baskets and bags worked in continuous rounds.
Sources and References
- Craft Yarn Council, "Standard Yarn Weight System & Gauge Ranges", 2024
- The Crochet Guild of America, "Flat Circle Increase Rules by Stitch Type"
- Oombawka Design Crochet, "Crochet Circle Reference Charts", 2024