Fabric Calculator

Work out how much fabric to buy for a project from its finished size, the seam allowance you are cutting and the width of the bolt you are buying.

Project type

Included so the result can be compared with the usual figure for this kind of project. The measurements below are what actually drive the maths.

Finished width of one piece in

For a garment this is the width of one panel, not the whole body. For a cushion it is the cut width you want.

Finished length of one piece in

For a dress or a skirt this is the finished length from shoulder or waist to hem.

Fabric width (bolt width) in

Apparel fabric is normally 44/45 in or 58/60 in. Quilting cotton is 44/45 in, wide backing 108 in.

Number of pieces to cut pieces

A front, a back and two sleeves is 4. A cushion front and back is 2. Add facings, pockets and a waistband.

Seam allowance in

5/8 in is the commercial pattern standard. 1/4 in is normal for quilt piecing and for serged seams.

Waste allowance %

Covers squaring up, matching a repeat and cutting errors. 10 percent for plain fabric, 15 to 20 for a one way print.

Unit system

Pick the system you want to work in, then enter every measurement below in that system. The formulas convert to inches internally and the results are given in both yards and metres.

Reset

Free calculator by Handcraft worked examples and methodology No account, nothing stored.