What is gauge in knitting?

Gauge in knitting is simply the size of each stitch and the space between stitches. It is measured in stitches (horizontal measurement) and rows (vertical measurement). Since each stitch is usually pretty small, gauge is measured in stitches or rows per inch (2.54 cm), or 4 inches (10 cm).  The smaller number of stitches per inch, the larger the stitches.  Example:  4 stitches per inch will be larger stitches than 20 stitches per inch. The larger stitches are referred to as a larger gauge.