Understanding Crochet Hook Sizes - Guide to All Sizes

When learning to crochet, you can end up in the yarn aisle and not realize there are many sizes of hooks. Yes, they make a difference, but so does your yarn choice. Just because Mikey uses a 5 mm / H/8 doesn't mean you should. Some factors impact your gauge.

Whatever you do, don't learn to crochet with thread! That's a definite recipe to want to quit!

What are your favourite crochet hooks? Leave me a comment below.

What is Gauge?

Gauge is the number of stitches in a set distance across by the number of rows by a set number of inches or centimetres high. Most times, it's 4" [10 cm] x 4" [10 cm] square. Mainstream patterns and professional designers usually provide a gauge to let you know the real sample the designer has made.

The gauge on a leading retailer's ball band doesn't always match the pattern, as everyone's hand stitching is unique.

Ball Band Label of Large Big Box Retailer Yarn

The ball band above provides a lot of information, such as the weight of the yarn (thickness), recommended knitting needles or crochet hook sizes, and instructions on how to care for the project after you have completed it, such as washing, drying, ironing, and other tasks.

Focus on the crochet hook size. The manufacturer's industry standards recommend using a 5 mm / H/8 crochet hook size. If you follow the gauge, you should have 12 single crochets across = 4" and 13 rows high = 4".

If learning to crochet, pick the yarn first, then look at the hook size recommendation and go to the hook implements area of the store.

Crochet Hook Sizes

The following list shows you the sizes in metric and compares them to the USA sizes for conversion if the designer hasn't given both pieces of information on the pattern.

The hook sizes in RED are the most common sizes and also the best to use if you are learning to crochet.

• 2 mm,  no USA size

• 2.25 mm, B/1

• 2.50 mm, no USA size

• 2.75 mm, C/2

• 3.00 mm, no USA size

• 3.25 mm, D/3

• 3.50 mm, E/4

• 3.75 mm, F/5

• 4.00 mm, G/6

• 4.25 mm, G not common

• 4.50 mm, US 7

• 5.00 mm, H/8

• 5.50 mm, I/9

• 5.75 mm / J not common

• 6.00 mm, J/10

• 6.50 mm, K/10.5

• 7.00 mm, no USA size

• 8.00 mm, L/11

• 9.00 mm, M/N/13

• 10.00 mm, N/P/15

• 11.50 mm, P/16

• 15.75 mm, Q

• 16.00 mm, Q

• 19.00 mm, S

• 25.00 mm, T/U/X

• 30.00 mm, T/X

Careful, Boye Hooks have 5.25 mm and are indicated as an I size. It’s not a standard size. Check the millimetres on the hook if required.

Learn How to Gauge

Factors that Will Change Your Gauge Size

1. Your environment. If you have people stressing you out, your tension may be tighter as you feel overwhelmed.

2. Sitting on a chair. I don't like to crochet on a sofa as I am not in the correct position, body-wise, to be effective. Having armrests will make a world of difference. Also, possibly a pillow under your elbows is something I do regularly.

3. A medical condition may affect the motion of the crochet hook and how you hold the project.

4. Energy level. Being up or down may reduce or increase your speeds.

5. Types of crochet hooks that blend well with your hands. Sometimes, it's not you who is the problem... it could be your hook choice. Select the right hook for you.

6. Your level of interest in the hobby can change your tension.

7. The type of yarn used, dishrag type of cotton yarn, isn't strong and can be harder on the hands, while other yarns glide on your crochet hook and yarn-feeding hand.

8. The size of the project determines whether it's easy to hold or too hard for your hands to hold due to the weight of some things, like blankets.

Just know that everyone is unique. What's good for you may be a hindrance for another person. Encourage others as best you can and enjoy the hobby for what it is.