How Many Grafts Do I Need? Norwood Stages Explained

The number of grafts drives both the cost and the result, so it helps to understand the range before a consultation. The figures below are rough planning ranges commonly used for male pattern hair loss. Only an in-person scalp assessment can give you a real number.

The Norwood scale

The Norwood (Hamilton–Norwood) scale describes male pattern hair loss in seven stages, from a slightly receding hairline (stage 2) to only a band of hair remaining at the sides and back (stage 7). Stage 3 "vertex" means crown thinning with an early receding hairline.

Typical graft ranges

Norwood stage	What it looks like	Rough graft range
2	Mild recession at the temples	800 – 1,500
3	Deeper temple recession	1,500 – 2,200
3 vertex	Temple recession plus crown thinning	1,800 – 2,500
4	Front and crown thinning, band still present	2,200 – 3,000
5	Front and crown areas close to joining	3,000 – 3,800
6	Front and crown joined	3,800 – 4,500
7	Only a horseshoe band remains	4,500+ (often over two sessions)

Try our graft and cost calculator to turn these ranges into a price range.

What changes your number

• Donor density: how many follicular units per square cm you have at the back and sides.
• Hair calibre and curl: thick or curly hair covers more with fewer grafts.
• Hair and skin colour contrast: lower contrast looks fuller at lower density.
• Goals: a conservative, mature hairline needs fewer grafts than a low, dense one.
• Crown coverage: the crown can absorb a large number of grafts; many surgeons prioritise the front.
• Future loss: younger patients may need grafts reserved for later.

Why quotes differ between clinics

It is common to receive quotes that differ by 1,000 grafts or more. Ask each clinic how they measured your donor area, what hairline they are planning, and whether the crown is included. A higher graft count is not automatically better if it uses up donor hair you may need later.