Crochet Hook Sizes – Handy Size Chart For Crochet Hooks

By Jodie Morgan

| Updated:

If you’re a beginner crocheter, do you understand crochet hook sizes? Not yet? Don’t worry. It’s simple, follow the charts below. I’m here to help crocheters like you find the right hook size for your projects. My helpful charts will be your go to guides!

Crochet Hook Sizes - Here's what you need to know about hook sizes crochet. No more confusion if you come across a system you're not used to!

Frustrated Teacher Quits In Disgust, Sells The Farm, Moves The Family Halfway Across The World And… Starts Crocheting

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on April 5, 2023.

Table Of Contents

How Do You Know What Size To Use?

Beginners often ask me this question. They want to know what crochet hooks they should use for their projects to get the best result.

Here are methods to decide what hook size you need.



  • Yarn Label – This gives information on what standard crochet hook size to use, in metric and US sizes and the recommended gauge – how many stitches in a 4×4 inch swatch (Plus more info on care, fiber content.)
  • Gauge Swatches – It’s important to work the swatch with the recommended hook in order to get the amount of stitches in a row. If you have more stitches in the 4 inches then your project will be too small. Use bigger hook if it’s too small. If you have fewer stitches in the 4 inches, then it will be too big. Try a smaller hook if it’s too big.
  • Crochet Patterns include crochet hook sizes too. Ask the pattern designer to choose the right size if it doesn’t.
My Furl Hooks - Teak wooden streamline, Cafe and Cream resin streamline, white and nickel odyssey hooks
I adore crocheting with Furls hooks. (Made with wood & resin.)

Note: Hook sizes (in mm) vary from the crochet hook brands. No standard set size for crochet hooks exists yet. This measurement guide is for reference only.

I know, the inconsistency between each brand is a problem, and it can be a challenge to figure out, but I’m here for that! Don’t change hooks mid-project, it will change your tension. Because of the variety of material, manufacturer differences and styles, use the same hook throughout.

You might run out of yarn if you use different hook sizes when using a kit. Be aware that different hook manufacturers may have a letter size that varies in millimeter size. For example Boye labels their G Hook as 4.25 mm not 4.00mm.

It’s super important to complete a swatch with the recommended hook in the pattern to see if you reach the required gauge. The right crochet needle size will determine if your stitches match the designer’s gauge.

Every maker has a different tension and when choosing hooks for crochet, swatching is an important matter because you want the design to be the right fit and shape. Many hand made crochet patterns are opting for the millimeter size for the hook, rather than the US letter sizing.



What Are All The Sizes Of Crochet Hooks?

It’s essential to know the conversions when using a crochet pattern written in another country. Crochet Hook sizing can be a little confusing because letters or milimeters are used depending on the country.

The diameter of a hook shaft determines the size of the hook and the size of the stitches. Hook sizes are measured in millimeters and are available from as small as 2 mm to 20 mm or bigger!

As the size of a crochet hook is determined by the diameter of the shaft. (The shaft is the space between the thumb area part, the handle, and the hook.) The larger the diameter, the bigger the stitches. Note: I’m not talking about the length of a hook in this post, which is measured from the bottom to the point.

You can convert the diameter of the shaft to United States sizes for these materials. (Uses both numbers and letters of the alphabet.) For example, a US size G hook is 4.00mm in diameter.

  • UK & Canada – numbers
  • Australia & New Zealand – metric sizes

The sizing in other countries varies. Choose a system for you, whether metric or lettering and numbers. The bigger or thicker the yarn, the bigger hook you need. Chunky wool uses a bigger crochet hook.



Steel hooks (“thread hooks”) are only used for fine lace thread. (Use them to make doilies for the home or intricate designs!) They come in numbered sizes, getting larger as the diameter or millimeters get smaller. If the size is big, it’s a sign they’re tiny! These crochet hooks come in varying sizes from the 0.6 mm thickness of size 12 to the 3.25 mm thickness of size 00.

Crochet Hooks For Yarn Weights

The Craft Yarn Council has set out hook sizes for each yarn weight. Here’s how to find the right size crochet hook for different sizes of yarn.

  • 0 (Lace Crochet, Thread) – B/1
  • 1 (Super Fine) – C/2, D/3
  • 2 (Fine) – E/4, F/5
  • 3 (Light, Light Worsted) – G/6, H/8
  • 4 (Medium, Worsted) – I/9, J/10, K/10.5
  • 5 (Bulky) – L/11, M/13
  • 6 (Super Bulky Yarn Weight) – N/15

Need a fiber weights chart? See here. Want some tutorials on finding the correct size? See these ones. They included pictures to help you.

Crochet Hook Conversion Chart And Crochet Hook Sizes

Hope you find this crochet hook size chart on all the sizes helpful! This crochet hook size conversion is for regular crochet hooks, knook hooks, and all categories of Tunisian crochet hooks.



Metric/AUST/NZUSUK/Canada
2.00 mm14
2.25 mmB/113
2.50 mm12
2.75 mmC/211
3.125 mmD
3.25 mmD/310
3.5 mmE/4
3.75 mmF/59
4.00 mmG or
G/6
8
4.25 mm
4.50 mmUS77
5.00 mmH/86
5.50 mmI/95
6.00 mmJ/104
6.50 mmK/10.53
7.00 mm2
8.00 mmL/110
9.00 mmM/1300
10.00 mmN/15000
11.50 mmP/16
15.75 / 16 mmQ
19 mmS

(These Size Charts Are Based On Standards From The Craft Council.)
(They also have sizes for knitting needles.)
Crochet Hook Sizes Chart in Metric, US and UK sizes

Crochet Thread Hook Sizes / Steel Hook Crochet Sizes

These needle sizes are for thread crochet hooks, used for thread crocheting. For the best steel hooks on the market, my recommendations are the Clover Amour line or Susan Bates. These things have excellent reviews, and are best-sellers!

MetricUS
3.50 mm00
3.25 mm0
2.75 mm1
2.70 mm00
2.55 mm0
2.35 mm1
2.25 mm2
2.20 mm2
2.10 mm3
2 mm4
1.90 mm5
1.80 mm6
1.75 mm4/0
1.70 mm5
1.65 mm7
1.60 mm6
1.50 mm8/7/2
1.40 mm9/8
1.30 mm10
1.25 mm9/4
1.15 mm10
1.10 mm11
1.05 mm11
1 mm12/6
0.95 mm13
0.90 mm14/8
0.85 mm13
0.75 mm14/10
0.60 mm12

(These Measurements Are Based on the Craft Yarn Council’s standards.)
(They also have standards for knitting needle sizes.)
Steel Crochet Hook Chart in mm sizes and US sizes

How Do You Know What Size Crochet Hook To Use?

Choosing the right-sized crochet hook type follows a process. A Crochet beginner needs to be aware of the importance of gauge. Most crochet patterns have suggested pattern gauge information with a specific crochet hook. This shows how many stitches you should have per inch.

To crochet a swatch – do a swatch of about 4 inches in the stitch pattern you use in your crochet project. Wash your swatch, let it dry and measure the number of stitches. It is super crucial for crocheting items such as a sweater or top.

Suppose your square is smaller – you have more stitches than what the pattern calls for. Size up a hook. Or down one of the crochet needle sizes if your square is too large, that is, you have too few stitches. If you’ve bought yarn and don’t have a pattern in mind, the label suggests the hook size to use and what gauge you should get. 

(Note: Inline and tapered hook sizes vary, as the area between the thumb grip and hook differs.)

You’ll find a crochet hook size to suit the crochet projects you make. It takes a while to decide on your first set of crochet supplies, but it gets easier! Once you get your sizes sorted, I’ll help you find the best crochet hook set. There are many different types.

Some brands and hook manufacturers don’t produce hooks in all sizes. Know what each craft store makes so you have the right hooks or crochet hook set.



Q&A

Have a question? I’ve got answers!

What Is The Most Common Crochet Hook Size?

The most common crochet hook size is an H crochet hook (a 6 in Canada and the UK and 5.00mm in metric) which is excellent for beginners. It’s used for many projects particularly with worsted weight yarn.

What Is The Best Size Crochet Hook For Beginners?

The best size crochet hook for beginners is size 5.0mm. It’s big enough to hold but not cumbersome. It also fits yarns perfectly for people learning to crochet! Regarding a recommended crochet hook type, try aluminum crochet hooks as a start. Bamboo is too grippy to work with for beginners.

When you level up in skill, try wood versions like Bamboo! You’ll be pleasantly surprised, as it’s smooth and warm to the touch. Crochet hook materials vary (metal, wood, plastic) and finding which works best with different yarns. The kind of hook and the material you love the most will take time.

The head of a hook are either inline or tapered. Try both to see which is your preference.Hooks with a rubber handle are more comfortable and ergonomic. The handles are designed to reduce hand strain. Other benefits of ergonomic crochet hooks are you can crochet for longer and your hands won’t be as tired.

Is My Crochet Hook Too Big?

If your crochet hook is too big, here’s an easy method to check if indeed it is too big for the pattern you are working on. Test your hook size by crocheting a test swatch and measuring it. A crochet pattern specifies the crochet stitches per inch.



If you don’t reach the gauge of the pattern try a different sized hook.

  • Smaller hook – it will create stitches that are tighter and more of them per inch.
  • Larger hook – it will create stitches that are looser and bigger and less of them per inch.

But you can adjust the pattern as necessary if the overall fit and shape doesn’t matter. You might want smaller stitches in scarves for winter.

Here’s a tutorial. (Check out her great range of crochet guides with helpful images and charts.)

A 2.75 mm hook Is What Letter?

A 2.75mm hook is the letter C. Also Crochet needles of this size are equivalent to a US hook size C/2.

How Does Hook Size Affect Crochet?

The smaller the hook size creates stitches with smaller yarn gaps and tighter connections between the loops. For a bigger crochet hook, the opposite is true. Crochet hook size matters. It will determine the crocheted fabric. The yarn thickness also affects the finished product.



What Happens If A Hook Has No Label?

If your hook has no label, here are ways to determine your hook size from your collection. Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the shaft and convert the Metric millimeters to US sizes.

Get a gauge or measuring tool. These have a series of different sized holes that correspond to a certain hook size. Slide the hook you use into a hole of the hook gauge tool until it fits. This will tell you what size the hook is in millimeters or US sizes.

Which Crochet Hook Is Size P?

A size P hook is 15mm. However, some brands label P types of crochet hooks as 10mm.

What Happens If I Use A Bigger Crochet Hook?

If you use a bigger crochet hook, the gauge is larger, making a bigger finished item. If you use a big hook on crochet threads, you end up with a loose creation.

What Size Is A 2.5 mm Crochet Hook?

It’s still a 2.5mm crochet hook in US sizing. In UK/Canada sizing, these types of crochet hooks are 12.



What Is A Size G Crochet Hook?

A size G crochet hook in US sizing is also known as G/6. In metric, it’s 4.00mm, and in the UK & Canada, it’s 8. Some brands like Boye label their crochet hook G as 4.25mm. Be aware that the difference in millimeters can affect your gauge.

What Is A Size 7 Crochet Hook?

A US size seven and a size 7 in the UK & Canada are the exact sizes, but 4.50mm in metric.

In US Sizes, What Is 3.00mm?

In US sizes a 3.00mm hook is a D/3 crochet hook. Some companies use D on 3.25 mm crochet hooks.

What Is A Size 8 Crochet Hook?

A size 8 crochet hook is also known as size hook H in the States, it’s a 6 in Canada and the UK and is 5.00mm in metric sizing.

What Size Crochet Hook For Blanket?

The best size crochet for a project idea like a blanket is an H/8 (5mm) size hook. However, it depends on the yarn and your fiber preference. 5/5.5mm for Sport or DK weight yarn. Using something chunkier, or want a looser look for your afghan? Use the crochet hook size 6/6.5mm.



Aluminum crochet hooks are excellent for these projects. A great company that makes aluminum hooks is Susan Bates.

What Size Crochet Hook For 4ply Wool?

The best crochet hook size for 4ply wool is 2.50mm – 3.00mm, US E/4, and 12-9 for the UK/Canada.

Does The Type Of Yarn Weight Affect Which Crochet Needles You Use?

The type of yarn weight affects whether you should use small or big crochet needles (another term for hooks). A thicker yarn requires something bigger, a fine, thin yarn requires a smaller crochet needle.


Conclusion

Come back to this post whenever you need to use the crochet hook sizes conversion chart. You shouldn’t have to remember everything! Have fun with your next project experience. Assist each other, friends, and future readers by sharing this post of crochet hook size charts.

Need help with hook sizing or downloading your crochet hook size chart? Use your email address to leave a comment with your questions.

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READ NEXT – Want info on the types of crochet hooks? See here.

Frustrated Teacher Quits In Disgust, Sells The Farm, Moves The Family Halfway Across The World And… Starts Crocheting

About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Crochet Penguin

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

[email protected] | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate crocheter and blogger with 17+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother, she fell in love with crocheting after her first child was born. When she’s not crocheting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online crochet community. Please say hello, or see what she's making on socials.

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Comments

  1. Hello my name is Teresa. My daughter wants me to crochet a penguin for her but the finished size is 9inch she wants it bigger so how can I make a penguin about 20 inches. Thanks for any help you can give me.

    Reply
    • Hi Teresa. The Woobles said: “Use bigger yarn. The size of the yarn determines how big or small it will be.” Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  2. Just letting you know that you have 2 different sizes for a G hook in 2 different places. One says that in the US a G hook is 4.25 mm and in another place it says a G hook is 4.00 mm. Clarification is needed. A G hook is generally 4.00 mm and 4.25 mm is considered a 7. HOWEVER, if you use Boye hooks, a G is 4.25 mm. It is definitely a good idea to always make a gauge swatch. In the absence of a gauge being given for the project, it may be a good rule of thumb to either always go by the mm sizing OR choose a brand and stick with that brand. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way as I have multiple brands and just discovered the difference in size G between Boye and Susan Bates. Unfortunately I didn’t keep the hook with the project so now I don’t know which G hook I was using and it makes a big difference.

    Reply
    • Hi Lynn. Thank you for sharing information regarding hook sizes and pointing out my errors, I’ve fixed those. It is very helpful to know that different brands have different mm sizes like you point out Boye does. I totally agree with crocheting up a swatch to work out which size meets the pattern requirements. Thanks again for sharing your sage advice. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  3. HI! I have 3 different H hooks…. all 5mm… and in actuality, they are each a different size. One of them is about an I hook and one is @ a G 4.25…. I lost my favorite H hook that I use all the time… so this is frustrating with keeping my sizing the same…. any suggestions?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hi Angie. That’s frustrating. There are some brands with letter sizing, but not the same mm sizing. Could you try a different hook? Mark the mm size on the H Hooks with different mm sizes. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  4. I want to make a cow blanket the pattern says King Cole comfort chunky, 1 skein = 100 g.
    What size crochet hooks should I use in uk. Is size 7 mm and 6.5 mm the right ones to use?m

    Reply
    • Hi Monica. King Cole Comfort Chunky doesn’t list a hook size. It may tell you gauge. Check your gauge by crocheting a swatch with the 7mm hook. Increase hook size if gauge swatch is smaller than desired. If your gauge is larger than desired, use the 6.5mm hook. Everyone has different tensions, so it may take some practice. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  5. Hi Jodie,
    Can I use a steel crochet hook # 2 for a B1 hook as long as they have the same mm. size? Thank you for the help.
    Debbie

    Reply
    • Hi Debbie. Substitute a steel crochet hook #2 for a B1 hook. MM size must be the same. Check by swatching. More work is required, but it makes a difference. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  6. Thanks for this helpful website.
    My project involves crocheting recycled polyester cord – 3mm diameter or 6 mm diameter. Is the hook size the same as the diameter of the cord? What size hooks would I need? I’m not working from a pattern – just making my own.
    Thanks for your help!

    Reply
    • Hi Catherine. The hook size depends on your project. Use a larger diameter hook for a looser texture, a smaller diameter hook for a tighter texture. Can you test any hooks? For a 3mm diameter cord, pick a 4mm or a 6mm hook. Pick an 8mm hook for a 6mm cord. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  7. Hello,
    I’m French and I have a hook size 26 made in England.
    I don’t find the conversion in MM. Can you help me?
    Have a nice day.

    Reply
    • Bonjour Françoise. Comment allez vous? I practice French every day, but I’m still learning! Lay out a metric measuring tape flat on the table. Measure the shaft section between two mm bars on the measuring tape. Count the number of mm bars your hook occupies starting at the 2cm mark on the tape. This gives you an idea of the diameter in mm. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  8. Hi Jodie, I came across your web page for hook sizes when I was trying to convert the Tulip brand size hooks to US size hooks. I currently use Boye hooks, and in several videos I have been watching, the crafter will show their tulip hook, and the milimeter size with either sport weight, DK, or worsted weight yarn. When I try and match it with with my Boye hooks, I believe my hook is smaller than what they are truely using. Example, they show a 1.5 mm tulip hook, which in my Boye is a steel hook for thread. Do you have a conversion for the tulip brand to the Boye or US hook sizes? Thank you for your very informative page.

    Reply
    • Hi Jacqueline. Thanks for getting in touch. My understanding is that Tulip also offer steel hooks that would match the 1.5mm hook you mention. I don’t have a conversion for the Tulip Brand to Boye but I do show the mm sizing to US sizes for steel and larger size hooks. So a 1.5mm hook can be labeled in the US as 7/8/2. Like you say it seems a 1.5mm hook is small for those yarn weights. I’ve found that I have to test different sizes of hooks to match the gauge the pattern requires. I do a swatch with what the pattern recommends and see what gauge I get then based on that I might have to go up a hook size or down a hook size. Have a play with your different hooks and see which works best. Cheers Jodie

      Reply
  9. I am looking for a 7.5 mm hook. It appears that the US doesn’t have/carry this. But the UK does. They call it 1 ( from what I gather) but I’m having issues locating one. Where can I find one?

    Reply
    • Hi Rayna. Yes it does seem that finding a 7.5mm hook in the US isn’t easy. The company Pony makes a 7.5mm hook and they are available online at Amazon UK. You will also find them online at UK craft stores. Shipping to the USA will be an extra cost. If you plan to use the 7.5mm hook regularly then it may be worth the extra cost. I’d try using a 7mm or 8mm hook if you already have these and see if you can reach the gauge of the pattern. Cheers Jodie

      Reply

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