Categories:
Gauge, Knitting in the Round, Magic Loop
To check your gauge in the round, make a swatch on Magic Loop or DPNs and hold your gauge-checker over the stitches. Count how many stitches are in one inch.
Video: How to Check Your Gauge in the Round
Why It's Important To Check Your Gauge In The Round
Your gauge on flat knitting may be different than your gauge when you knit in the round, even when using the same needles and yarn.
For one thing, you'll be doing only knit stitches (probably) when you knit in the round, whereas when you knit flat you will have a row of purl stitches every other row. Since many people purl looser than they knit, this could definitely affect your gauge.
It makes sense to knit your gauge swatch in the same style that you will be knitting the garment. For instance, don't assume that your gauge will be the same on different brand needles of the same size.
Lastly, it follows that if you are going to block your final knitted piece (and you probably should), you should block your gauge swatch as well before you check your gauge. You can do it quickly, but it should be done. See How to block your knitting.