Crochet Hook Sizes And Conversion Chart | Crafting Happiness (2024)

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Crochet Hook Sizes And Conversion Chart | Crafting Happiness (1)

Understanding Crochet Hooks And Their Anatomy

Crochet hooks are labeled differently depending on what part of the globe you live in.

So to follow a pattern correctly, it’s important to be familiar with the names and numbers of the hooks you use.

Fortunately, most hook manufacturers put labels either on the thumb rest or handle to let users know the hook size.

To help you be familiar with the parts of a hook, here’s the crochet hook’s anatomy:

Point – the part used to poke through stitches
Throat – hooks and grabs the yarn being pulled through a stitch. Throats can be either tapered or inline.
Shaft – its diameter determines the crochet hook size
Grip – Also known as the thumb rest. You’ll often find the label indicating the hook size here.
Handle – provides leverage or balance

Crochet Hook Sizes And Conversion Chart | Crafting Happiness (2)

Regular Crochet Hook Size Conversion Chart: US – UK – Japan

Of course, you can use the crochet size that feels good or is most comfortable for you.

But what if a pattern or a yarn requires a particular hook size and you’re unsure if you got the right one?

In that case, a crochet hook conversion chart like the one below would be totally handy for you.

METRIC	US	UK	JAPAN
2.00 mm	A / 0	14	2 / 0
2.25 mm	B / 1	13	3 / 0
2.50 mm		12	4 / 0
2.75 mm	C / 2	11
3.00 mm		11	5 / 0
3.25 mm	D / 3	10
3.50 mm	E / 4	9	6 / 0
3.75 mm	F / 5	8
4.00 mm	G / 6	8	7 / 0
4.50 mm	7	7	7.5 / 0
5.00 mm	H / 8	6	8 / 0
5.50 mm	I / 9	5	9 / 0
6.00 mm	J / 10	4	10 / 0
7.00 mm	K	2	7 – jumbo
8.00 mm	L / 11	0	8 – jumbo
9.00 mm	M / 13	00	9 – jumbo
10.00 mm	N / 15	000	10 – jumbo

Steel Crochet Hook Size Conversion Chart

The sizes of the steel crochet hooks differ from those of the regular ones.

Their hook sizing is the reverse of the regular crochet hooks. The higher the number, the smaller a steel hook gets.

METRIC	US	UK
3.50 mm	00	–
3.25 mm	0	0
2.75 mm	1	1
2.25 mm	2	1 ½
2.10 mm	3	2
2.00 mm	4	2 ½
1.90 mm	5	3
1.80 mm	6	3 ½
1.70 mm	5	–
1.65 mm	7	4
1.50 mm	7 / 8	4 ½
1.40 mm	9	5
1.30 mm	10	5 ½
1.10 mm	11	6
1.00 mm	12	6 ½
0.85 mm	13	7
0.75 mm	14	–
0.60 mm	12	–

Download The PDF Of The Regular & Steel Crochet Hook Conversion Charts

Using Hook Conversion Charts will help you to quickly determine if you have the right hook size for a certain pattern.

Different Types And Materials Of Crochet Hooks

Crochet hooks are made of varying materials. Depending on your personal preference and what pattern you’re following, you might like one better than the other.

Below are some of the most common types of crochet hooks.

Steel

Steel crochet hooks are ideal if you want to use threads or lace-weight yarns. Perfect for fine, intricate projects like doilies and edgings.

Aluminum

Aluminum crochet hooks are widely and easily accessible for inexpensive prices. They are a popular choice among beginners.

Plastic

Plastic crochet hooks are cheaper than most hooks. However, they don’t usually last long since they tend to snap when too much pressure or weight is applied.

Wooden

Wooden crochet hooks are available in smaller sizes, but it’s more known for having larger sizes. Jumbo-sized hooks that are 16mm or bigger are often made from wood or bamboo materials.

Tunisian

Tunisian crochet hooks, AKA afghan hooks, are longer than regular crochet hooks. And they are used for a particular kind of crochet with the same name, the Tunisian crochet.

Ergonomic

Ergonomic hooks are crochet hooks that have larger handles to prevent strain or discomfort in your hands when you crochet. They are designed to let you crochet for longer periods of time.

Knook

Knook is a specially designed crochet hook that has an eye on one end. It’s often used to create stitches with a knitted-like finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crochet Hooks

What Size Of Crochet Hook Do I Use?

There are different ways to tell what hook size you need:

How Do I Measure An Unmarked Crochet Hook?

There are 2 common ways to measure and know what your hook size is:

Hook Gauge Tool – These tools have drilled holes labeled with specific millimeters measurement that let you tell your hook size right away. Here are some options you can check out:

Clover 3200 Swatch Ruler and Needle Gauge – measures crochet hook and knitting needle in metric, US, and Japanese standard sizes.
Crochet Hook Gauge by LauretteCraftsUK – an affordable and handmade crochet hook gauge that has measurements in millimeters, ranging from 2 MMS up to 10 MMS.
Crochet Wooden Gauge Tool by LaserbyJ – multipurpose tool that measures crochet hooks or needles, and gauge swatches.

Use a Measuring Device (Ruler/Tape) – You can also determine the size of a crochet hook by using a ruler or tape.
Simply take your tape/ruler, set the “0” on the left side of your hook’s shaft, and count the millimeters to the other side.
Keep in mind that what you need is the diameter. So measure across, not around. The number of mm is the hook size.
You can use my hook size conversion chart to compare the number to its UK or US size equivalent.

What Crochet Hook Should A Beginner Use?

Size H-8 (5mm) hook, an aluminum medium-sized crochet hook, is highly recommended for beginners.

Because it works well with most commonly-used yarns like the worsted weight varieties.

Also, consider getting hooks with ergonomic features if you’re new to crocheting. Such hooks would help you prevent hand or wrist strain and let you crochet easier.

Is It OK To Use A Different Size Crochet Hook?

It’s advisable that you use the same crochet hook size as what the pattern calls for to achieve the right look and size for a project.

However, if you really wanted to use a different size of hook, remember to do a gauge swatch first.

That way, you’d see if changing the hook size would significantly affect the appearance of your output.

What Is The Best Size Crochet Hook For A Baby Blanket?

The “best” crochet hook size largely depends on what kind of baby blanket you want to make.

Though most crocheters use an H/8 (5mm) crochet hook to generally create blankets.

If you like a fine and lightweight baby blanket, then smaller hooks would work best.

On the other hand, larger hooks are ideal for making warm, bulky baby blankets.

Does Crochet Hook Size Matter?

The size of your crochet hook, together with other factors such as your tension and yarn, determines the final look and size of your project.

Using a smaller hook would create finer and tighter stitches. In contrast, large hooks could make your finished item a lot bigger and looser than intended.

That’s why it’s better and safer to stick with the suggested hook size for a pattern or yarn.