How grading works
You approve a sample in one size, the base size. Every other size is made by adding or subtracting a fixed amount, the grade, at each point of measure. The generator applies:
Measurement for a size = base measurement + (steps from base size × grade)
With a base size M chest of 54 cm and a 3 cm grade, S is 51 cm, L is 57 cm and XL is 60 cm.
Tips
- Chest and hem widths are measured flat, so a 3 cm grade is 6 cm around the body.
- Length usually grades less than width.
- Larger sizes are sometimes graded in bigger steps. If you need that, generate the chart, download the CSV and adjust those columns.
- Add a tolerance column before sending it to a factory.
A size chart is one section of a tech pack.
Common questions
What is a base size?
The size your sample is made and approved in, usually M for menswear and S or M for womenswear.
What grade should I use?
For adult knit tops, 2 to 3 cm per size on flat chest width and 1 to 2 cm on length are common, but grades are a brand decision.