Cross-Stitch Calculator (finished size & fabric from stitch count and Aida count)

Understanding the cross stitch size calculator — concept and principle

This calculator turns a cross-stitch chart's stitch count into the finished size of the design and the size of fabric to cut, for any Aida count or for evenweave and linen stitched over two threads. Use it before buying fabric or a frame.

Stitches to fabric size: with the default inputs the result is 40.4 × 33.1 cm (fabric with 7.5 cm margins).

How it is calculated

Stitches per inch = fabric count, or fabric count ÷ 2 when stitching over two threads.
Finished width (in) = design width in stitches ÷ stitches per inch; the same for height.
Centimetres = inches × 2.54.
Fabric to cut = finished size (cm) + 2 × margin.
Stitches per cm = stitches per inch ÷ 2.54.
Total stitches = width × height in stitches, if every square is filled.

The principle

Fabric count tells you how many stitches fit in one inch. On Aida each stitch covers one woven block, so 14-count Aida gives 14 stitches per inch. On evenweave and linen the count is threads per inch and a stitch normally spans two threads each way, so 28-count linen "over two" also gives 14 stitches per inch. The design is a grid, so its size is simply stitches divided by density. A higher count makes the same chart smaller and finer. The margin gives room for a hoop or frame, mounting and finishing.

Worked example

Default inputs: 140 × 100 stitches, 14-count, over 1 block (Aida), 7.5 cm margin.

Stitches per inch = 14.
Width = 140 ÷ 14 = 10 in = 25.4 cm.
Height = 100 ÷ 14 = 7.14 in = 18.14 cm, shown as 18.1 cm.
Fabric = 25.4 + 2 × 7.5 = 40.4 cm by 18.14 + 15 = 33.1 cm.
Density = 14 ÷ 2.54 = 5.51 stitches per cm; total = 140 × 100 = 14,000 stitches.

Each point is the calculator re-run with only “Fabric count (stitches or threads per inch)” changed; the gold point is the default example. Change the inputs above and this chart follows your numbers.

Fabric count (stitches or threads per inch)	Finished width (cm)
3.5	101.6
7	50.8
10.5	33.9
14	25.4
17.5	20.3
21	16.9
28	12.7

How to read the result

Cut the fabric at least to the size shown; round up to a whole number for easy measuring. A margin of 7–8 cm on each side is common for framing; small ornaments need less. Changing the count is the easiest way to resize a chart. Use the stitch total to estimate stitching time and thread, remembering that partly filled designs need fewer stitches.

Common mistakes

Using 28 as stitches per inch when stitching over two threads on 28-count linen.
Forgetting the margin, leaving no room to frame the piece.
Assuming fabric is perfectly square; real fabric may have slightly different counts each way.
Cutting exactly the calculated size with no allowance for fraying.

Keep in mind: Fabric counts are nominal, and hand-dyed or linen fabrics can vary. Add a little extra, especially for large designs.

Frequently asked questions

How big will a 140 × 100 design be on 14-count Aida?

About 10 × 7.1 in, or 25.4 × 18.1 cm, before margins.

Is 28-count linen over two the same as 14-count Aida?

The design comes out the same size, because both give 14 stitches per inch.

How much margin should I leave?

About 7–8 cm (3 in) on every side is common for framing.

Sources: NIST Special Publication 811 (2008), Appendix B (1 in = 2.54 cm exactly)

Checked 9 Nov 2026. Definition of fabric count (stitches or threads per inch) and 1 in = 2.54 cm exactly; the margin is an example value.

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