Aida fabric & cross stitch count guide

A guide to Aida cross stitch fabric and counts (11, 14, 16, 18). Learn what stitches-per-inch means and calculate your finished size.

Aida is the classic cross stitch fabric — a stiff, even-weave cloth with clearly visible squares that make counting easy.

What does the count mean? The **count** is the number of stitches per inch. 14-count Aida (14 squares per inch) is the most popular for beginners. Higher counts (16, 18) give smaller, finer stitches and more detail; lower counts (11) are larger and easier on the eyes.

Finished size Your finished size = stitch count ÷ fabric count. A 140-stitch-wide design is 10 inches on 14-count but about 7.8 inches on 18-count. Our [fabric count calculator](/cross-stitch-fabric-count-calculator) works this out for you, and the pattern maker shows the finished size at every common count automatically.

Pair your fabric with the right DMC floss and you're ready to stitch.