How to Count Crochet Rows

Learn how to count both chains and rows in crochet. We have a lot of visuals to help those who like to see as well as read how-tos. Knowing how to count your crochet pieces as you work them up or after you are finished is incredibly helpful. Most of us get into a routine when we crochet and forget about keeping track.

That's why having a way to count them later helps get you back on track or tells you how far you have been and have to go until you're through! We will start with counting chains and then go over how to count rows in crochet.

Before we get to counting rows, let's go over chains.

Chaining is the first step in a crochet project. With chains, it is vitally important to make sure you have the right number of stitches. Of course, it is always important in crochet, however, since this is the foundation, it is the most important.

To learn this basic technique, watch our video for How to Crochet the Chain Stitch.

Follow the steps below to learn how to count chain stitches.

1. First, make sure you are counting the right side. 

The back of the chain has bumps (shown on the left of the image below). The front of the chain has v shapes (shown on the right of the image below).

You will count the Vs to determine how many chains you have crocheted.

2. Count the V shapes you see. Each V is one chain. The example shown below has 9 chains.

There are a few different ways to count rows in crochet. The easiest way is to count the horizontal dashes (or blocks, or knots) as you go. However, because these dashes only appear every other row, you have to double the number of blocks to get the total number of rows.

In the examples below, you will see how to count single crochet stitches as well as how to count double and triple crochet rows. Each stitch is different, especially when it comes to height.

It is also more difficult to count if the crocheting is messy. The examples below aren't perfect and, as you can see, are not the easiest to count. But, they are realistic for most of us!

1. Single crochet has shorter rows than most other types of crochet stitches. In the first image (right below), you will see how a single crochet piece looks. There is a starting chain at the bottom. Try to find the horizontal dashes. How many rows do you think there are?

In the second image (right below), the horizontal dashes are marked in black. These represent every other row.

In the third image (right below), the black arrows and numbers show counting the crochet rows. As you can see, there are 6 rows.

2. What about half double crochet? below, you will find an example of counting half double crochet rows.

In the first image (right below), you will see how a half double crochet piece looks. There is a chain but it almost blends in with the first row. Try to find the horizontal dashes. How many rows do you think there are?

In the second image (right below), the horizontal dashes are marked in black. These represent every other row.

In the third image (right below), the black arrows and numbers show counting the crochet rows. As you can see, there are 6 rows.

3. Double crochet is easier to count because the rows are longer than single crochet. Other stitches, especially unique stitches like the shell or crocodile, make it easier to count because you can clearly see the design.

In the first image (right below), you will see how a double crochet piece looks. There is a starting chain on the bottom. Try to find the horizontal dashes. How many rows do you think are shown?

In the second image (right below), the horizontal dashes are marked in black. These represent every other row.

In the third image (right below), the black arrows and numbers show counting the crochet rows. As you can see, there are 4 rows in this double crochet sample.

4. Our last example is for triple crochet. It is also known as treble crochet. Probably the easiest of the examples shown, this has distinct, long rows.

In the first image (right below), you will see how a triple crochet piece looks. There is a starting chain. Try to find the horizontal dashes. How many rows do you think there are?

In the second image (right below), the horizontal dashes are marked in black. These represent every other row.

In the third image (right below), the black arrows and numbers show counting the crochet rows. As you can see, there are 4 rows.

Another way to keep track of your rows is by using a crochet counter and crochet row markers.

As you work, use the counter to keep track of the rows you create. Attach the markers to the end of each row, and count when you're done. It's super easy and saves time later.

Using one of these counting tools should be sufficient, but when you're working, it may be easy to forget to click the counter or add the marker. Using both allows for less chance of error.

It's best to get into the habit of marking your crochet as you go if it's important to you to know the number of rows. This is especially important if you are working on something large or taking a lot of breaks in between.

1. Counters: Crochet row counters can look different depending on the brand and the price. A simple counter, like the two shown in the picture below, are inexpensive alone or can be found as part of beginner crochet sets.

Some other counters are bigger, can be worn on a finger or wrist, or around the neck.

How to use crochet row counter: Look at the image below. On either side of the counter, there are white turn wheels. Simply rotate the dial on the appropriate side each time you finish a row. Some counters have a click button, similar to a stopwatch.

2. Lock Ring Crochet Markers: One of the most common crochet markers is the lock ring marker, as shown below. These markers are essentially large plastic safety pins that can easily be added and removed from a row.

3. Split Ring Markers: The other common marker for counting crochet rows is the split ring marker. This is a large plastic one-dimensional coil that is twisted around a stitch in order to count the row.

As you can see in the image below, there are different sizes and colors available, more than the two shown.

Want to learn how to use stitch markers? Check out our stitch marker tutorial page here or watch our video here: