Crochet Hooks: Sizes, Types & Comparisons

As a beginner crocheter, it is important to understand crochet hooks as well the different hook sizes. So, if you have ever wondered about how to choose the right size crochet hook or about what are all the sizes of a crochet hook, then this post will help!

Learn all about crochet hook sizes, crochet hook types and how to find patterns to use a certain hook size on with our crochet hook size guide below. Plus, get a free crochet hook conversion chart printable as a bonus to take with you on the go!

What is a Crochet Hook?

First, if you are new to crocheting, a crochet hook is a handheld tool that helps create stitches (loops of yarn) with yarn. Crochet hooks come in many sizes, and are made of different materials and varieties.

Most hooks have the size listed on the thumb area of the hook, which is actually the diameter of the shaft of the hook in mm. Sometimes you may hear them referred to as crochet needles, but they are actually called crochet hooks.

Take a peek at the image below that shows all the parts of a crochet hook and what they are used for during crocheting.

Crochet Needles

Above, we mentioned that sometimes crochet hooks are wrongly referred to as needles. However, needles do have their place in crochet too. Crochet needles are used to weave in ends of the yarn after you’ve reached the end of your project, the end of a skein, or a color change. These needles are larger and bulkier than the sewing needles we are all familiar with.

Also, while not crochet related, sometimes knitting needles are confused with their crochet hook equivalent. Knitting needles are long – sometimes upwards of 10 inches – and are made from either aluminum, wood or plastic. They also come in different sizes with standard millimeter designations, just like crochet hooks.

Crochet Hook Styles

There are two types of crochet hooks. One with a tapered point, and another with a straight point that is the same size of the shaft.

1. Inline Crochet Hooks: These types of hooks have a deeper throat and are pointier tip with a flatter thumb rest that according to some can help with tension and gauge in patterns.
2. Tapered Crochet Hooks: These crochet hooks a rounded point with a tapered throat and a longer shaft length.

The style of hook you use will depend on your personal preference, so most crocheters will usually try both styles out to see what they like the best. These hooks also may have a rubber grip or larger handle, which makes them ergonomic. Ergonomic crochet hooks help crocheters with arthritis and sore hand to crochet longer and with better tension.

There is also a Tunisian crochet hook, but it still has the parts as we described above, but it is two hooks connected together with a rope or cable.

What Size Crochet Hook Do I Need?

Crochet hooks come in many sizes and types. Crochet hooks are labeled according to size. They are always referenced in either the US or Metric sizes, which you can learn more about below in with our conversion chart. Learning about crochet hooks will help you as a crocheter determine what size crochet hook is best for a pattern, as well as what type of hook is best to use. You can use these methods below to help decide which hook size is best for the project you are working on.

1. Yarn Label: The yarn label usually recommends what hook size to use as well as gives you the fiber content. Most labels have a section that outlines what hook size to use in metric and us sizes as well as the gauge.
2. Gauge Swatch: A gauge swatch is also a good way to determine what hook size is best. Most labels like mentioned above have the gauge swatch listed. You can work up the swatch with the recommended hook and stitches to see if the hook size works for you. If it is too big use a smaller hook and if it is too small use a bigger hook.
3. Pattern: The pattern you wish to work on will also have a hook size listed. If it doesn’t the best thing to do is to contact the designer.

Below I’ve created a handy crochet comparison chart that lists crochet hooks in both US and metric sizes and how to convert one from the other. Scroll down to take a look at the crochet hook chart!

Crochet Hook Materials & Types

Crochet hooks are made in a variety of different materials. The hook that works best for you is a personal preference and will always vary from crocheter-to-crocheter. Let’s learn about the different types of crochet hooks that are available below.

Popular Crochet Hook Brands

There are too many manufacturers of crochet hooks to list here. However, certain brands are known for their strengths or materials, so we wanted to provide you with a comprehensive list of some of the best hook sets on the market today.

Crochet Hook Sizes

As mentioned before, the diameter of a hook shaft determines the size of the hook and the size of the stitches that are made. Hook sizes are measured in millimeters and are available from as small as 2 mm to 20 mm or larger!

The usual rule of thumb is the bigger or thicker the yarn, the bigger size hook you will need. Hooks can be labeled with US sizes or metric sizes, so this chart is a great reference for comparison.

In the conversion chart below, we list the much more common EU Metric size as well as the older UK size. The UK sizes are being phased out, and are only really used in older crochet patterns anymore.

Since they are many manufacturers of hooks, please take the time to check the size of the hook and your gauge when crocheting a pattern. The difference in sizes in hooks and manufacturers is one of the good reasons to have our chart in arm’s reach!

US vs UK Crochet Hook Size Conversion

Here we created a table of all US sizes of crochet hooks, and their Metric and older UK equivalents. Use this table to get familiar with other terms for the same hook size, or use it as a hook conversion chart if you come across a pattern that is not written in US or Metric terms.

US Size	EU Metric Size	Old UK Size
	2 mm	14
B/1	2.25 mm
	2.5	12
C/2	2.75 mm
	3 mm	10
D/3	3.25 mm	11
E/4	3.5 mm	9
F/5	3.75 mm
G/6	4 mm	8
7	4.5 mm	7
H/8	5 mm	6
I/9	5.5 mm	5
J/10	6 mm	4
K/10.5	6.5 mm	3
	7 mm	2
L/11	8 mm
M/13	9 mm
N/15	10 mm
P	12 mm
Q (16 mm)	15 mm
Q	16 mm
S (19 mm)	20 mm

Oddly enough, some sizes may actually vary by hook manufacturer. You will see this more and more as the size of the crochet hook grows.

Steel Crochet Hook Sizes

Usually used for crochet threads and lightweight yarns such as Superfine #1 or Fine #2 yarn weights. These metal hooks numbers size decreases when the diameter increases, which is opposite the way regular crochet hook sizes run. 

As with regular crochet hooks, there are manufacturer-based variations in steel crochet hooks numbering. We all wish they would keep to a standard, but they don’t. Here in an infuriating example of this. A Susan Bates 3.25mm steel hook is called a size #0, while a Clover 1.75mm steel hook is also referred as a size 0. It is because of differences like this that the table below seems mixed up at times… but alas, it is not.

Metric Size	U.S. Size
3.50 mm	00
3.25 mm	0
2.75 mm	1
2.70 mm	00
2.55 mm	0
2.35 mm	1
2.25 mm	2
2.20 mm	2
2.10 mm	3
2 mm	4
1.90 mm	5
1.80 mm	6
1.75 mm	4/0
1.70 mm	5
1.65 mm	7
1.60 mm	6
1.50 mm	8/7/2
1.40 mm	9/8
1.30 mm	10
1.25 mm	9/4
1.15 mm	10
1.10 mm	11
1.05 mm	11
1 mm	12/6
0.95 mm	13
0.90 mm	14/8
0.85 mm	13
0.75 mm	14/10
0.60 mm	12

Common Crochet Hook Questions for Beginners

What are the Best Crochet Hooks for Beginners?

The best crochet hooks for beginners are usually the sizes H/8 5 mm, I/9 5.5 mm and the J/10 6 mm crochet hooks. These hook sizes are the perfect size to get started with learning how to crochet for beginners.

How Do You Know What Size Crochet Hook to Use?

Most crochet patterns will tell you what crochet hook size to use in the pattern. When looking for the hook size in a pattern, search for the materials used or the note section to find which crochet hook is recommended. Sometimes you may need to change the hook size used to reach the gauge the pattern calls for.

What is The Most Commonly Used Crochet Hook Size?

The most common size is a H/8 5 mm crochet hook. It is the perfect size to make blankets, scarves and more since it is not too small and not too large.

What Size is a G Crochet Hook?

A G/6 is a 4.00 mm size crochet hook most commonly but can be a 4.25 mm such as with the brand Boye. A G crochet hook is considered an 8 in UK & standard Canadian hook size charts.

What Letter is a 2.75 mm Crochet Hook?

A 2.75 mm crochet hook is considered a C/2 in US hook sizes and is best for superfine weight yarn.

What is a Size P Crochet Hook Conversion?

A size P crochet hook in US is most commonly a 15 mm hook in metric terms. But some brands may label P crochet hooks as 10 mm so keep that in mind when crochet hook shopping.

What is a Size 3.00 mm Equivalent to in a US Size?

A 3.00 mm crochet hook is a D/3 size crochet hook in the US. Some companies may use a D size label on a 3.25 mm crochet hook too.

What Size is a 12 Crochet Hook?

A size 12 crochet hook is a Canadian / UK size that is equivalent to a 2.5 mm or C/2 in the US.

What Size is an F Crochet Hook?

An F-5 crochet hook is 3.75 mm.

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More Crochet Guides

I hope you enjoyed this crochet hook guide and learned all you need to start crocheting a pattern. If you have any questions or want to learn more about crochet, be sure to check out some of my other crochet beginner guides below.

Happy Crocheting!

• How To Read Crochet Patterns
• How to Crochet a Sweater
• Crochet Mitten & Glove Sizing Chart
• Crochet Hat Size Chart
• Crochet Scarf Size Chart
• The Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks + Hook Sets
• The Best “Learn to Crochet” Kits for Beginners
• The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Crochet Supplies & Tools
• Different Types of Yarn: Explained