# [Chart dimensions and physical dimensions](https://threadcabin.com/explore/127/chart-dimensions-and-physical-dimensions)

> Chart cells count logical stitches; centimeters describe the finished work. Determine physical size with the actual stitch density, not screen zoom or print scale.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/127/chart-dimensions-and-physical-dimensions
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:33.3144895+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:38.5443679+00:00
- Primary image: [Illustration: The same simple geometric cross-stitch motif worked on two different fabric counts, visibly changing physical size while preserving its motif proportions.](https://threadcabin.com/images/explore/focused/chart-scale.jpg)

Chart cells count logical stitches; centimeters describe the finished work. Determine physical size with the actual stitch density, not screen zoom or print scale.

## Before you start

Have the chart key, chart width and height, fabric thread count and threads crossed by each stitch. Keep floss strands separate from fabric threads.

## Try this example

A 40-cell-wide chart at 20 stitches per 10 cm becomes 20 cm wide. Printing its cells twice as large improves readability without doubling the finished width.

## Check your result

- Count from two independent reference points before filling a large area. Verify the outer stitched dimensions on the actual ground; include finishing fabric separately.
- Changing fabric count changes physical size, not chart complexity. Fractional stitches, mixed scales and non-square grounds need explicit chart instructions.

## Sources

- [rsnstitchbank.org: cross stitch](https://rsnstitchbank.org/stitch/cross-stitch)
- [rsnstitchbank.org: counted thread](https://rsnstitchbank.org/technique/counted-thread)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Fabric count, stitch size, and thread coverage](https://threadcabin.com/explore/6/fabric-count-stitch-size-and-thread-coverage)
- [What does a Template include?](https://threadcabin.com/explore/87/what-does-a-template-include)
- [Save, print and share working references](https://threadcabin.com/explore/128/save-print-and-share-working-references)
- [Calculate knitting stitches for a target width](https://threadcabin.com/explore/69/calculate-knitting-stitches-for-a-target-width)