As a crocheter, I tend to use acrylic and cotton yarn for most of my projects. So, when I have enough leftover yarn scraps, I like to make unique yarn cakes for my future projects.

Unfortunately, when you make handmade yarn cakes, you don’t know how many yards are in each cake. I will show you a simple algebra equation on how you can figure out the yardage of your cakes. Knowing the yardage for your yarn cakes will make for a smoother project.

Tools you’ll need

When it comes to figuring out the yardage of your cake yarns, you’ll need four key things;

1. Kitchen scale- Kitchen scales aren’t just for measuring your ingredients; they are great for figuring out the grams (g) or ounces (oz) of your leftover yarn scraps.
2. Calculator- A calculator is a lifesaver for calculating your grams into yards unless you’re a math whiz.
3. Yarn Label- Each skein of yarn can be different; it all depends on the yarn brand and fiber weight. I use a worsted weight #4 medium yarn for my projects when I crochet. The label will help estimate the grams and yardage of the fiber in your yarn cakes.
4. Yarn Cake– Making your own cakes of yarn is great for using up all those extra scraps of yarn. When I make my yarn cakes, I ensure all the fibers are the same weight family. This will make the project look and feel more consistent.

You’re also going to want a piece of paper and a pencil.

Let’s do some math!

Let’s return to basic algebra, where A x B = C. We will use this formula to determine approximately how many yards are in your yarn cake. Again, this will be an approximate number, not an exact one. However, knowing the approximate size of the cake will determine the type of crochet or knitting project you can use it for.

Because I use the same brand of yarn from most of my projects, I will use a label for that yarn. I figure my cake yarn will equal the weight of the above label.

Since this label already gives me the ounces, grams, yards, and meters, it should be pretty easy to figure out the yardage for my cake yarn. But, if your label does not give you the grams, remember that 1 oz = 28.35 g.

Let’s get started;

First, weigh your yarn cake on the kitchen scale in grams. My yarn cake is 250 g.

A=250 g

Next, look at your label and divide the yard by the gram of the skein. Since my yardage is 355, I will divide that by the grams on the label, which is 199.

355 yrd / 199 g =1.783 g

B=1.78 g

Now, take the grams of the yarn cake (A) and multiply it by the grams from the label (B) to get the yardage of your handmade yarn cake (C).

250 g x 1.78 g = 445 yds

So, I know that my yarn cake is approximately 445 yds. This will help me figure out what I will use the cake for.

I prefer to make yarn cakes with my leftover yarn scraps, but this formula can be used on any leftover scrap yarn ball you may have lying around.

And if you plan on using this formula to figure out your next project, remember this is an approximate number, not an exact one. So, make sure you leave yourself some wiggle room with your pattern.

If you spin your own yarn cakes, too, I would love to see what you make with your cakes. Also, check out and follow me crocheting carrots on social media.

Happy Crocheting Journey!