What Are the Standard Sizes of Granny Squares?

There is no set size for granny squares, as the size can vary depending on the desired outcome of the project.

Granny squares can be made in a range of sizes, from small squares that measure just a few inches across, to large squares that measure several feet in diameter.

The size of the granny square will depend on the yarn weight and hook size used, as well as the number of rounds worked and the types of stitches used. For example, a granny square made with a bulky yarn and a large hook will be larger than a granny square made with a finer yarn and a smaller hook.

However, while granny squares can be made in just about any size or shape, there are a few common sizes that are created more often than others.

Standard Sizes of Granny Squares

Without further ado, here are the most common granny square size categories I’ve come up with. The goal here was to come up with more standard categories for me to classify my own granny square patterns in.

Take a look below at the most common granny square sizes you can crochet.

Small Squares

Small granny squares, also known as miniature granny squares, can be used for a variety of purposes, depending on the size and design of the squares. Miniature granny squares are typically used to create small decorative crochet items, such as ornaments and appliques.

“Classic Sizes”

These granny square sizes are the most common. And while there is no set standard for how large or small granny squares should be, these are the most commonly used sizes.

• 3″ x 3″ (7.5 cm x 7.5 cm)
• 4″ x 4″ (10 cm x 10 cm)
• 5″ x 5″ (13 cm x 13 cm)
• 6″ x 6″ (15 cm x 15 cm)

The classic granny square falls into this category as well. Many still sit somewhere in the middle of those sizes as well… I’ve seen plenty of granny squares in the 5.5″ or 6.5″ square size. It really depends on the dimensions of the crochet project that you’re making, and the pattern within the square you chose. These can be used to make granny square blankets, granny square sweaters or cardigan.

Large Squares

Large granny squares, also known as giant granny squares, are what we call anything larger than a 6-inch square, but in reality, they are likely much larger than that. Giant granny squares can be used to make large granny square blankets (afghans), oversized pillows, or any other oversized crochet item.

Rectangular

I’ve mostly seen rectangular granny squares (that was odd to say…) used for the charity called Warm Up America.

Warm Up America is a nonprofit organization that provides warm clothing and blankets to people in need. The organization was founded in 1991 by Evie Rosen, a crocheter and knitter who wanted to use her skills to help others.

Warm Up America accepts knitted and crocheted 7″ by 9″ sections of fabric, as well as, finished blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, and clothing. All projects are made by and donated by volunteers across the United States.

Hexagon

This is more of a shape than a size, but it’s worth mentioning here. This is because most other sizes fit into neat inch-by-inch categories, hexagons don’t.

Hexagons have six sides, and create a wonderfully looking crochet project as the sides match up with their neighboring hexagons. Most crocheted granny hexagons still would fit into the common sizes that we listed above.

How Many Granny Squares Do I Need?

This is one of the most asked questions when it comes to making crocheted baby blankets, afghans, or scarves. The number of granny squares needed will obviously be dependent on two things: the size of the final project, and the size of the granny squares you’re using.

In the interest of giving people what they want, here are the common granny square amounts for various crochet projects. We use common sizes of both the project, and the granny squares to calculate the amount required.

Project	Dimensions	3x3s	4x4s	5x5s	6x6s
Baby Blanket	42″ x 52″	252	143	99	63
Afghan	50″ x 65″	374	221	130	99
Adult Scarf	8″ x 60″	60	30	24	20

Note: as you can see, sometimes the granny square sizes don’t nicely fit into the overall project’s dimensions. There are two ways you can combat this:

1. Change the granny square size. For example, instead of using two 5″ squares for to make an 8-inch scarf, use two 4″ squares instead. Using the correct size square can make a huge different in the final result.
2. Deal with it. A 10″ scarf isn’t that much different than an 8″ scarf… Functionally, it is still going to be a scarf!

Too Many Squares Are Needed!

If you see that you would need almost 400 3×3″ squares for a granny square blanket afghan, and want to throw up… me too. I can’t imagine creating that many for a simple blanket. The best solution for me is to simply make larger squares. For example, if you swapped out the 3×3″ squares for the 6×6″ size, you’ll only need about 100 instead!

Again, this is just a rough estimate of how many crocheted granny squares you’ll need for a project. If you are following a pattern – either on my site or somewhere else – it should tell you exactly how many squares you should make.

What Factors Impact Granny Square Size?

The size of a granny square can vary depending on the yarn weight and crochet hook size used, as well as the individual crocheter’s tension. To make a specific size of granny square, you can adjust the number of rounds or the type of yarn and hook you use.

Practice your tension by creating a single granny square first. Follow a pattern that provides the correct gauge so that you can test your tension with that of someone else. Eventually, after following enough patterns, you’ll learn if you typically crochet looser or tighter than the average crocheter.

Some crocheters also use specific techniques to make their granny squares larger or smaller. For example, crocheting loosely can result in a larger square, while crocheting tightly can result in a much smaller square. Consistent tension also produces granny squares of all the same size… which is very important when needing lots of them for a particular project.

Certain stitches can help you crochet loosely as well. The triple crochet (sc) stitch is a loose stitch, while the slip stitch creates a much more tightly woven granny square when used.