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Sleeve Decrease Calculator

One decrease round takes a stitch off each side, so two stitches go at a time. Half the difference is the number of decrease rounds, and dividing the rows by that gives the interval.

Your numbers

Every n rows

10rows

Decrease rounds

12

Formula

Every n rows = Rows ÷ ((Starting stitches − Ending stitches) ÷ 2)

When it does not divide evenly, put the leftover rows up at the underarm. Uneven spacing shows most near the cuff.

What to enter

InputDefaultAccepted range
Starting stitches (sts)The stitch count before shaping.722 and up
Ending stitches (sts)The stitch count after shaping.481 and up
Rows (rows)Row count, measured up.1202 and up

Step by step

FormulaEvery n rows = Rows ÷ ((Starting stitches − Ending stitches) ÷ 2)
With the default numbersEvery n rows = 120 ÷ ((72 − 48) ÷ 2)
AnswerEvery n rows = 10 rows

Quick reference table

Results when only Starting stitches (sts) changes and everything else stays put.

Starting stitches (sts)Every n rows (rows)Decrease rounds
3600
54403
721012
108430
144248

What each result means

ResultAt default values
Every n rows (rows)Work one decrease every this many rows.10
Decrease roundsHow many decrease rounds; each takes two stitches.12

Common mistakes

When it does not divide evenly, put the leftover rows up at the underarm. Uneven spacing shows most near the cuff.

Glossary

Starting stitches
The stitch count before shaping.
Ending stitches
The stitch count after shaping.
Rows
Row count, measured up.
Every n rows
Work one decrease every this many rows.
Decrease rounds
How many decrease rounds; each takes two stitches.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How is Sleeve Decrease Calculator calculated?

Every n rows = Rows ÷ ((Starting stitches − Ending stitches) ÷ 2) — One decrease round takes a stitch off each side, so two stitches go at a time. Half the difference is the number of decrease rounds, and dividing the rows by that gives the interval.

Q. Can you walk through an example?

With Starting stitches 72sts, Ending stitches 48sts, Rows 120rows, the answer is Every n rows 10rows.

Q. What do I need to enter?

Enter Starting stitches, Ending stitches, Rows. The result recalculates as you type, and an empty box counts as zero.

Q. How much does the answer move if I change a number?

Changing only Starting stitches (sts) moves the answer to Starting stitches (sts) 36 → Every n rows (rows) 0 and Starting stitches (sts) 144 → Every n rows (rows) 2. The table below lays out five steps.

Q. How are the numbers rounded?

Money is shown to the nearest whole unit, percentages to one decimal place and everything else to two. What you see is rounded; the calculation itself carries the unrounded value forward.

Q. Anything to watch out for?

When it does not divide evenly, put the leftover rows up at the underarm. Uneven spacing shows most near the cuff.

Related calculators

Materials differ in density and absorption. If your label states a figure, use it — the defaults here are only common values.