Hair Graft Calculator: How Many Grafts Do I Need? (2026)

Graft calculator

Most people need about 1,500–2,500 grafts to restore a receding hairline and temples (Norwood 3), 2,500–3,500 for the front and crown (Norwood 4) and 4,500–6,000 or more for extensive loss (Norwood 6), which typically costs £5,900–£6,900, around £6,900–£7,900 and £8,900–£11,900 in London. Use the calculator for an estimate based on your own pattern.

Typical grafts and prices by Norwood stage

Typical grafts and prices by Norwood stage
Norwood stage	Typical grafts	Typical London price (FUE)
Norwood 2	800–1,500	£4,100–£5,400
Norwood 3	1,500–2,500	£5,400–£6,900
Norwood 3V	2,000–3,000	£6,200–£7,400
Norwood 4	2,500–3,500	£6,900–£7,900
Norwood 5	3,500–4,500	£7,900–£8,900
Norwood 6	4,500–6,000	£8,900–£11,900
Norwood 7	6,000+	£11,900+

What is a graft?

A graft is a follicular unit: a natural group of one to four hairs that grow from the same point in the scalp. Graft counts are therefore not the same as hair counts. A 2,000-graft procedure typically moves somewhere around 4,000 to 5,000 hairs, depending on how many hairs grow in each of your follicular units. Single-hair grafts are used at the very front for a soft, natural hairline, with multi-hair grafts placed behind them for density.

How the calculator works

The Norwood scale grades male pattern hair loss from stage 1 (no recession) to stage 7 (only a horseshoe of hair at the back and sides). Each stage corresponds to a typical area of thinning, and each area needs a typical number of grafts to look natural. The calculator uses the ranges our surgeons see most often, then converts the graft range into a price using our typical London price bands, from about £3,500 for 500 grafts to £8,900–£11,900 for 4,500–6,000 grafts. Choosing “higher density” adds about a fifth to the graft count. Choosing DHI adds the usual £900–£1,200 difference over standard FUE at the same graft limit.

Why your own number may differ

Three things decide your real graft count. First, the size of the area: two people at the same Norwood stage can have very different scalp sizes and hairline positions. Second, your donor supply: the permanent hair at the back and sides is limited, so a good plan protects enough grafts for the future, especially if your hair loss is still progressing. Third, hair characteristics: thick, wavy or curly hair, and hair that is close in colour to your skin, gives more visual coverage per graft than fine, straight, dark hair on pale skin. That is why the surgeon confirms the number only after examining your scalp, and why a younger patient is usually advised to treat the hairline conservatively and consider medical treatment to stabilise further loss.

One session or two?

Up to about 3,500 grafts is commonly done in one session, sometimes over two days. Larger numbers, from about 4,500 grafts, are usually split into two sessions several months apart, which protects graft survival and lets the surgeon refine the result. FUT can yield a large number of grafts in a single session and suits some people who need extensive coverage. Our guide to FUE vs FUT vs DHI explains the trade-offs.

Women and diffuse thinning

The Norwood scale describes male pattern loss. Women’s hair loss is more often diffuse, and only some women are good transplant candidates. Use the “by area” option for a rough graft range, and read our female hair transplant guide before booking.

When you are ready, book an assessment and we will give you a written plan with your graft count and the total price. For the full price breakdown, see our guide to hair transplant costs.

Frequently asked questions

How many grafts do I need for my hairline?

A hairline usually needs about 1,000–1,800 grafts on its own, or about 1,500–2,500 grafts if the temples have also receded (Norwood 3). In London that typically costs about £5,400–£6,900 with FUE.

How many grafts do I need for the crown?

The crown typically needs about 1,000–1,800 grafts. It is a large, circular area where hair grows in a whorl, so it takes more grafts to look dense, and the result can take up to 18 months to show fully.

How much do 3,000 grafts cost in London?

About £7,400 with FUE using typical London price bands, and roughly £900–£1,200 more with DHI. Some fixed packages advertise lower prices, so always compare the total payable for your confirmed graft count.

Is 2,000 grafts a lot?

It is a medium-sized procedure. It is often enough to rebuild a receding hairline and temples, but not enough to cover the front, mid-scalp and crown together, which usually needs 3,500 grafts or more.

What is the maximum number of grafts in one session?

Many surgeons cap a single session at about 3,500–4,000 grafts to protect graft survival and the donor area. Larger procedures are usually split into two sessions several months apart.

Related guides

Next step

Find out what a transplant could do for you

Send us a few details and we will be in touch to arrange a hair assessment. There is no obligation to go ahead.

Request a hair assessment