The myhairline.ai graft calculator estimates how many grafts you need based on your Norwood stage, then projects costs by region so you can budget before consulting a surgeon. It is free, requires no account, and works in any browser. Upload a photo, get your stage, and see your graft estimate in under 60 seconds.
myhairline.ai uses 468 MediaPipe facial landmarks for precision measurement.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
How the Graft Calculator Works
The calculator follows a three-step process:
- Photo analysis: You upload or take a photo. The AI analyzes your hairline position, temple recession, and vertex thinning using MediaPipe facial landmarks and Gemini Vision
- Norwood classification: Your hair loss pattern is matched to the Norwood scale (stages 1-7)
- Graft estimation: The calculator cross-references your Norwood stage with clinical graft data to produce a range
The graft ranges are based on published clinical guidelines and real-world surgical data:
| Norwood Stage | Description | Grafts Needed |
|---|---|---|
| NW1 | No significant hair loss | 0 (monitoring only) |
| NW2 | Slight recession at temples | 800-1,500 |
| NW3 | Deep temple recession (M-shape) | 1,500-2,200 |
| NW3V | Temple recession plus vertex thinning | 2,000-2,800 |
| NW4 | Further recession, enlarged vertex | 2,500-3,500 |
| NW5 | Front and vertex areas nearly connected | 3,000-4,500 |
| NW6 | Bridge between areas lost | 4,000-6,000 |
| NW7 | Most extensive loss, narrow band remains | 5,500-7,500 |
These ranges represent the number of grafts needed for satisfactory coverage at each stage. The lower end assumes a smaller treatment area or a patient satisfied with moderate density. The upper end targets fuller coverage approaching natural appearance.
Understanding Your Graft Estimate
What a Graft Contains
Each graft (follicular unit) holds 1-4 individual hairs, with an average of 2.2 hairs per graft. When the calculator says you need 2,500 grafts, that translates to approximately 5,500 individual hairs being transplanted.
Single-hair grafts are placed at the hairline for a natural look. Multi-hair grafts (2-4 hairs) go behind the hairline to build density. Your surgeon distributes the grafts strategically to maximize visual coverage.
Coverage Area Matters
The same graft count produces very different density depending on the area being covered:
| Grafts | Over 50 cm2 | Over 100 cm2 | Over 150 cm2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | 30 FU/cm2 | 15 FU/cm2 | 10 FU/cm2 |
| 2,500 | 50 FU/cm2 | 25 FU/cm2 | 17 FU/cm2 |
| 3,500 | 70 FU/cm2 | 35 FU/cm2 | 23 FU/cm2 |
| 5,000 | 100 FU/cm2 | 50 FU/cm2 | 33 FU/cm2 |
Visual fullness typically starts at 25-30 follicular units per cm2 for straight hair. Curly hair achieves fullness at lower density (20-25 FU/cm2) because each strand covers more scalp surface area.
Cost Projections by Region
Once you have your graft estimate, the calculator projects costs by destination:
| Region | Cost Per Graft | 1,500 Grafts | 2,500 Grafts | 4,000 Grafts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $1-2 | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,500-$5,000 | $4,000-$8,000 |
| India | $0.50-1.50 | $750-$2,250 | $1,250-$3,750 | $2,000-$6,000 |
| Europe | $2.50-4.50 | $3,750-$6,750 | $6,250-$11,250 | $10,000-$18,000 |
| UK | $3-5 | $4,500-$7,500 | $7,500-$12,500 | $12,000-$20,000 |
| USA | $4-6 | $6,000-$9,000 | $10,000-$15,000 | $16,000-$24,000 |
| Mexico | $2-4 | $3,000-$6,000 | $5,000-$10,000 | $8,000-$16,000 |
Turkey and India offer the lowest per-graft pricing. The US and UK are the most expensive markets. These figures reflect 2026 averages and vary by specific clinic, surgeon experience, and procedure type (FUE, FUT, or DHI).
Factors That Adjust Your Graft Count
The calculator provides a stage-based estimate. Your actual graft needs may differ based on:
Hair characteristics: Coarse, dark hair on light skin needs fewer grafts for visual coverage than fine, blonde hair on light skin. Hair caliber, color contrast with the scalp, and curl pattern all influence how many grafts create a full appearance.
Treatment goals: Some patients want maximum density for a thick look. Others want natural-looking coverage without chasing pre-loss density. Your goal shifts the graft count within the stage range.
Donor supply: The safe extraction limit is approximately 45% of donor follicles. Patients with lower donor density may not be able to supply enough grafts for the upper range at their stage. Native density varies by ethnicity (Caucasian avg 200 FU/cm2, Asian avg 170, African avg 150).
Procedure type: FUE harvests up to 5,000 grafts per session. FUT harvests up to 4,000. DHI handles up to 3,500. Your procedure choice may cap the grafts available in a single session.
Medical therapy: Finasteride (80-90% halt further loss, 65% experience regrowth) and minoxidil (40-60% moderate regrowth) can reduce the total grafts needed by preserving and thickening existing native hair.
How to Use Your Estimate
- Get your stage: Run the AI hair loss analysis tool to receive your Norwood classification and graft range
- Review the numbers: Compare your estimate against the tables above to understand what density and cost to expect
- Consult a surgeon: Bring your report to a consultation. Surgeons appreciate informed patients who arrive with baseline data
- Compare quotes: Use the regional cost projections to evaluate clinic pricing. If a quote falls far outside the ranges above, ask why
The calculator replaces guesswork with data. It does not replace a surgical consultation. Use it to arrive at your first appointment knowing your stage, approximate graft needs, and realistic budget range.
Read the Norwood scale guide for detailed descriptions of each stage and what treatment options apply.
FAQ
Is AI-based Norwood staging accurate?
myhairline.ai uses 468 MediaPipe facial landmarks and Gemini Vision to classify your Norwood stage from a photo. The system is most accurate with well-lit, high-resolution photos showing the full forehead and temples. AI staging serves as a reliable screening tool, but a clinical examination with a densitometer provides the most precise graft count.
Do I need an account to use the tools?
No account is needed. The graft calculator at myhairline.ai is completely free and browser-based. Upload or take a photo, receive your Norwood stage and graft estimate, and view cost projections instantly. No email, no registration, no hidden fees.
How does myhairline.ai compare to a clinical assessment?
The myhairline.ai graft calculator provides a stage-matched estimate based on published clinical data for each Norwood level. A clinical assessment adds physical donor density measurement, scalp laxity testing, and microscopic hair analysis. Use the online calculator for initial planning and budgeting, then confirm with a surgeon consultation.
Estimate your graft count now at myhairline.ai/analyze. Free, no account required, results in under 60 seconds.