What is pattern grading?

Pattern grading is the process of proportionally increasing or decreasing a base size pattern to create a range of sizes. Instead of drafting each size from scratch, grading applies consistent increments — called grade rules — to key measurement points on the pattern.

What are grading increments?

A grading increment is the amount added or subtracted at a specific measurement point between consecutive sizes. For example, a chest increment of 2.5 cm means each size up adds 2.5 cm to the chest measurement, and each size down subtracts 2.5 cm.

How do I choose the right grading increment?

Increments are typically based on sizing standards such as ASTM D5585 (US women), EN 13402 (European), or a brand's proprietary fit block. Common women's wear chest increments range from 2 cm to 5 cm per size. Always verify against your target market's sizing standard.

Can I use this for both metric and imperial measurements?

Yes. The calculator works with any unit — just be consistent. Enter all measurements and increments in the same unit (all cm or all inches) and the resulting grade table will be in that same unit.

What is the base size?

The base size is the sample size from which grading starts — usually the size the prototype garment was made in. Common base sizes are size 10 (UK women's) or Medium (US). All other sizes are calculated by adding or subtracting the increment from this starting point.

How many sizes can I grade at once?

This tool supports up to 9 sizes in a single run: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL. You can also use numeric sizes (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) by switching the size system.

Garment Size Grader

Name: Garment Size Grader
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter base size measurements and grading increments to instantly generate a full size run grade table for any garment.

Grade Settings

Size System

Base Size

Measurement Unit

Measurements

Point Base Inc/size

Grade Table

Fill in the grade settings and click
Generate Grade Table

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Summary

Enter base size measurements and grading increments to instantly generate a full size run grade table for any garment.

How it works

Select your base size from the dropdown (e.g. size 10 or Medium).
Enter the base size measurements for each body point (chest, waist, hip, etc.).
Set the grading increment for each measurement — how much each size grows or shrinks.
Click "Generate Grade Table" to see all sizes calculated automatically.
Copy or export the completed grade table for your spec sheet or pattern block.

Use cases

Grading a sample size pattern up and down a full size run for production.
Verifying that grading increments conform to ASTM or ISO sizing standards.
Quickly prototyping a custom size chart for a new apparel brand.
Teaching pattern grading concepts in fashion design education.
Cross-checking a manufacturer's grade table against your spec sheet.
Generating grade tables for menswear, womenswear, or childrenswear patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu