What does Aida count mean?

Aida count is the number of stitches per inch. 14 count Aida fits 14 stitches per inch, so a higher count makes the same pattern come out smaller.

Which Aida count should a beginner use?

14 count is the most popular all-rounder and the easiest to see. 11 count is even larger and great for learning, while 16 and 18 count suit finer, more detailed designs.

Aida Calculator

See how the same pattern's finished size changes across 11, 14, 16, 18 and 22 count Aida, in both inches and centimeters, so you can pick the right fabric.

1. Pattern Size

Stitches Wide

Stitches High

2. Stitch Over

Finished Size By Fabric Count

Count	Inches	Centimeters
11 ct	18.2" × 13.6"	46.2 cm × 34.6 cm
14 ct	14.3" × 10.7"	36.3 cm × 27.2 cm
16 ct	12.5" × 9.4"	31.8 cm × 23.8 cm
18 ct	11.1" × 8.3"	28.2 cm × 21.2 cm
22 ct	9.1" × 6.8"	23.1 cm × 17.3 cm

Higher counts pack more stitches per inch, so the same pattern comes out smaller on 18 ct than on 11 ct.

How this is calculated

Finished size = stitch count ÷ fabric count for each Aida count shown.
Stitching over two threads halves the effective count (used for evenweave and linen).
Sizes cover only the stitched area — add margin for hooping and framing.
Higher counts pack more stitches per inch, so the design comes out smaller.