Fabric Yardage Calculator
Estimate fabric yardage and compare cutting layouts for common projects.
Your measurements
Enter 0 when no repeat matching is needed.
The layout above is a bare minimum that assumes a flawless cut, so 10% is set by default for squaring up, a flaw in the cloth, or one mis-cut. Around 5% suits a tight professional layout and 15% leaves room to re-cut a piece. Add more again for shrinkage, directional cutting, or motif placement.
Live fabric layout
Updates as you type.
Planning purchase estimate
4.5yd
4.11 m · 2 strips per piece, 2 strip cuts · 73 in long
10% extra project allowance is included. The final amount is rounded up to the next quarter yard, then converted for the metric view.
Calculate Fabric Yardage Instantly
A fabric yardage calculator estimates how many yards of fabric you need from project length, width, fabric width, pattern repeat, and seam allowance. Enter the cutting dimensions above for instant yards, meters, and a live layout preview.
How Many Yards of Fabric Do I Need?
Fabric needs range from less than a yard to several dozen. Each figure below is what the matching calculator returns for the exact piece described, including a 10 percent cutting allowance. Your own measurements will differ, so treat these as a starting point and run your numbers.
- Dining chair
- 2.5 yds
- Upholstered, 18″ seat, 54″ fabric
- A-line dress
- 2.25 yds
- Size M, 45″ fabric
- Curtains
- 12.5 yds
- 60″ window, 84″ drop, pair
- 3-seat sofa
- 18.75 yds
- 84″ wide, 54″ fabric
Example: For 12 finished napkins at 17″ × 17″, a hem that adds 1 inch to every edge makes each cut piece 19″ square. Two fit across 45″ cloth, so six 19″ rows use 3.17 yards before shrinkage, squaring, or pattern matching.
Move the sliders below to see how length and width shift the yardage.
Usable fabric width
Keep extra allowance at 0 unless you have a reason to add it, such as shrinkage, directional cutting, motif placement, or known flaws.
Worked purchase estimate
4.25yards
Based on 54″ of usable fabric width
2 strips at 73″ long. Each strip reserves the seam allowance on both side edges.
Fabric Yardage Calculator by Project
Pick the tool that matches your project. Each one asks for the measurements and options used by its own calculation method, then explains the resulting estimate.
Upholstery Calculator
Sofas, chairs, ottomans, headboards, slipcovers.
Typical: 12–16 yd (3-seat sofa, 54″)
Open Upholstery Calculator →
Sewing & Garment Calculator
Dresses, shirts, trousers, jackets, costumes.
Typical: 2.5 yd (A-line dress, size M)
Open Sewing Calculator →
Curtain & Drape Calculator
Curtains, drapes, panels, valances, liners.
Typical: 6–8 yd (60″ window, 84″ drop)
Open Curtain Calculator →
Quilting Fabric Calculator
Quilt tops, backing, binding, sashing, borders.
Typical: 7.5–10 yd (queen top, 42″)
Open Quilt Calculator →
Cushion & Pillow Calculator
Seat cushions, throw pillows, bench pads.
Typical: 0.5–0.75 yd (18″ × 18″)
Open Cushion Calculator →
How the Quick Fabric Calculator Works
The home calculator works with identical rectangular pieces. It uses cut dimensions, usable fabric width, a repeat category, seam allowance, and your chosen overage to estimate running length. Dedicated tools use different methods for shaped projects.
Inputs explained
Project length, width, number of pieces, fabric width (36″/45″/54″/60″), seam allowance, pattern repeat size, and waste overage.
Calculation logic
Cuts = ⌈project width ÷ fabric width⌉. Yards = (cuts × cut length × pieces) ÷ 36, adjusted for pattern repeat and overage.
What the result covers
The quick method counts full fabric widths, rounds each rectangular cut length to the selected repeat, applies the chosen overage, and rounds the total up to a quarter yard.
How to Calculate Yardage for Rectangular Pieces
For identical rectangles, divide the required cut width by usable fabric width and round up to a whole number of widths. Multiply that by cut length and quantity, then divide total inches by 36. Move the inputs below to see this example recalculate.
Fabric width means usable width. Leave extra allowance at 0 unless shrinkage, directional cutting, motif placement, or known flaws give you a reason to add it. This worked method is for identical rectangular pieces.
Basic formula
Yards = (cuts × cut length × pieces) ÷ 36. Add seam allowance to both dimensions first.
Manual method
Measure in inches, draw a paper layout to scale, count cuts, and total the linear inches. Divide by 36 for yards, then multiply by 0.9144 for meters.
When to use the calculator
Use this method for repeated rectangles. Choose a dedicated calculator when the project has shaped pieces, lining, boxing, backing, borders, or several materials.
Fabric Measurement & Conversion
Convert fabric units across yards, meters, feet, centimeters, and inches. Enter fabric width and GSM to estimate area and weight, or enter the supplier's bolt length to compare your quantity with a full roll.
To
Square feet
67.5
Estimated weight
1.57 kg
Bolt equivalent
0.13 bolts
Area, weight, and bolt quantity use the width, GSM, and bolt length entered above. Check the product label before using them for purchasing or shipping.
Yards to square feet
1 yd of 54″ fabric = 13.5 sq ft. 1 yd of 45″ = 11.25 sq ft. 1 yd of 60″ = 15 sq ft.
Yards to kg
Weight depends on length, width, and GSM. Enter the product's numbers in the converter instead of relying on one assumed fabric weight.
General conversions
1 yd = 0.9144 m = 3 ft = 36 in = 91.44 cm. 1 m = 1.0936 yd. Bolt lengths vary, so check the supplier's label instead of assuming a fixed total.
Fabric Yardage Charts & Guides
Hover over a bar for its fabric width and project context. These are early planning ranges for plain fabric. Repeat, nap, matching, and construction can move the amount.
Dining chair model: 18 × 18 × 36 in; 54″ fabric; upright DIY profile; no repeat or preshrink.
Select or focus a bar to see its inputs. Each value is generated by the matching calculator, so it is an example output rather than a standard amount for every project with that name.
Advanced Fabric Yardage Calculations
Pattern repeat, border prints, and nap turn a simple yardage calculation into a layout problem. The simulator below shows the fixed repeat allowances used in this quick example. A real cut plan may need a different amount.
Yardage impact
8yd
Starting from a 8-yard baseline (solid fabric). A 0″ repeat needs no adjustment.
Pattern repeat
A pattern repeat is the distance between identical points in a fabric design. In the quick rectangular model, each cut length rounds up to the selected repeat. That does not guarantee motif alignment across finished seams.
Pattern matching
Match motifs across seams on sofas, curtains, and dressmaking. Border prints and one-way prints need extra fabric for grain and nap alignment.
Checks before cutting
Check usable width, selvages, nap, motif direction, flaws, and the care label. Test a swatch if the finished item will be washed instead of assuming a shrinkage rate.
Fabric Cutting & Layout Tips
A drawn layout can reveal gaps and fit problems before you cut. Drag the sample pieces onto the bolt below, then compare your arrangement with the simple auto-arrange option. This is a planning exercise, not a pattern-ready cutting diagram.
Drag pieces onto fabric
Fabric used
0yd
Reduce waste
Nest small pieces around larger cuts, respect grain and nap, and save scrap strips for piping or binding.
Layout optimization
Lay the widest piece first, then fill gaps with narrower cuts. Rotate rectangles 90° only if the fabric has no nap.
Real-world usage
Follow the fabric's care instructions, test pressing and marking on a scrap, and keep the cloth relaxed and supported while measuring.