blanketmathAll calculators

ONE SQUARE. A WHOLE BLANKET.

Granny square blanket calculator

Find how many squares to make, and how to arrange them.

Your blanket and squares

Measure one blocked square, including any edging already on each square. All measurements use your selected unit.

Joining & rounding options

Measure this from joined samples. Enter 0 for a join that adds no width; seams that shrink the fabric are not modeled.

HOW MANY GRANNY SQUARES?

Measure one, plan the rest.

Choose your blanket dimensions and measure a finished, blocked square. We subtract the border on both sides, allow for any extra width from joining, and calculate the number of squares across and down.

Squares across × squares down
= total squares to make

For a 50 × 60 inch blanket with 6-inch squares, no border and no added join width, rounding up gives 9 columns × 10 rows: 90 squares, making approximately 54 × 60 inches. Choosing the closest size gives 8 × 10 = 80 squares and 48 × 60 inches.

Formula for each direction: (target − 2 × border + join) ÷ (square + join). Round up, or to the nearest integer, with a minimum of one square. Finished size = count × square + (count − 1) × join + 2 × border.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Before joining

How many squares for a queen-size blanket?

There is no universal count. Measure the bed and desired drape, then enter that target and your finished square size. A 90 × 100 inch target with 6-inch squares and no border or added join width rounds up to 15 × 17 = 255 squares, about 90 × 102 inches.

Does this include joining and borders?

Yes, if you enter their dimensions. Border width is added on each of the four sides. Join width is added only between squares. Actual tension and seams can change the final size; measure a joined sample to improve the estimate.

How much yarn will my squares need?

Weigh a completed square and multiply by the total number of squares. For multiple colors, track each color separately and round up the skein count for each. Joining, border yarn and extra allowance must be added separately; square count alone cannot predict them.

Can I use hexagons or different sized squares?

No. This grid assumes identical square motifs arranged in straight rows and columns. Hexagons, triangles, diagonal layouts and mixed square sizes require a different layout.

Making a blanket in rows? Use the blanket size calculator →

Need to distribute stitch changes? Increase/decrease calculator →