How to Calculate Fabric Yardage: Complete Guide with Calculator
Nothing is more frustrating than running out of fabric mid-project. You're almost done, but there isn't enough fabric left—and the store doesn't have more. Or worse, you buy way too much and waste money on fabric that sits in your stash forever.
Calculating fabric yardage is an essential skill for any sewer, quilter, or crafter. Get it right, and you save money, reduce waste, and ensure project success. Get it wrong, and you're stuck or overstocked.
This guide covers basic calculations, formulas for common projects, money-saving tips, and our free interactive calculator. By the end, you'll know exactly how much fabric you need for any project.
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Calculate Fabric Yardage →1. Understanding Fabric Measurements
Before diving into calculations, understand the basics of how fabric is measured and sold.
Standard Fabric Widths
- Quilting Cotton: 44-45" wide (most common)
- Home Decor Fabric: 54-60" wide
- Apparel Fabric: Varies, typically 45" or 58-60"
- Specialty Fabrics: Can be anywhere from 36" to 120"
How Fabric is Sold
- By the yard: 36" length (standard in US)
- By the meter: 39.37" length (slightly longer)
- Fat quarters: 18" × 22" (quilting, same area as 9" × 44" quarter yard)
- Pre-cuts: Various sizes (charm packs, jelly rolls, layer cakes)
Understanding Fabric Grain
Lengthwise grain: Parallel to selvage, strongest direction. This is the length of fabric you buy.
Crosswise grain: Perpendicular to selvage. This is the width of fabric.
Bias: 45-degree angle, most stretch.
Why it matters: Calculating yardage based on the wrong grain can result in running out or needing too much fabric when cutting pieces in different directions.
2. Basic Yardage Calculation Formula
The foundation of all fabric yardage calculations.
The Universal Formula
Formula: (Length needed ÷ 36) × Number of pieces needed
Then: Round up to nearest 1/4 yard
Example Calculation
Project: Curtain panel 84" long
Calculation: 84 ÷ 36 = 2.33 yards
Round up: Buy 2.5 yards
When to Add Extra Fabric
- • Pattern matching: Add 1 repeat length per width of fabric needed
- • Shrinkage: Add 10% for natural fibers (cotton, linen)
- • Mistakes: Add 1/4 yard for beginners, 1/2 yard for complex projects
- • Directional prints: May need 25-50% more if can't flip pieces
3. Calculating Yardage for Common Projects
Quick reference for popular sewing projects.
Throw Pillows
Standard 18" pillow:
- • Front and back: Two 19" squares
- • Calculation: (19 × 2) = 38" ÷ 36 = 1.06 yards
- • Buy: 1.25 yards (accounts for squaring)
Other sizes:
- • 16" pillow: 1 yard
- • 20" pillow: 1.25 yards
- • 24" pillow: 1.5 yards
Table Runners
Formula: (Length + 2" seam allowance) ÷ 36
- • 36" runner: 1.25 yards
- • 54" runner: 1.75 yards
- • 72" runner: 2.25 yards
Napkins
18" finished napkins:
- • Cut size: 19.5" square
- • From 45" wide fabric: 2 across
- • 4 napkins: 40" = 1.25 yards
- • 8 napkins: 80" = 2.5 yards
Simple A-Line Skirt
Formula for no-pattern skirt:
- 1. Measure waist to hem length + 3" (hem & waistband)
- 2. Multiply by 1.5-2 for fullness
- 3. Divide by fabric width to get panels needed
- 4. Multiply panels by length
Example: 24" length, size 8 waist ~28"
Need 42-56" width ÷ 45" fabric = 1 panel, 27" length = 0.75 yards → Buy 1 yard
Quilt Backing
- Twin (39×75"): Need 81×42" = 2.5 yards of 45" fabric
- Full (54×75"): Must piece or use 90-108" backing
- Queen (60×80"): Use 108" backing or piece
💡 Need Yardage for a Specific Project?
Our free calculator handles all these projects and more—just enter your dimensions!
Calculate Your Project →4. Advanced Calculations
Special situations requiring extra calculation.
Pattern Matching (Stripes, Plaids, Large Prints)
Formula: Measure repeat length, add 1 repeat per width
Example: Curtain needs 3 widths, pattern repeat: 18"
Add: 18" × 3 = 54" extra = 1.5 yards extra
Bias Binding
Formula for continuous bias:
Square of fabric yields approximately 4× its perimeter in bias
Example: 18" square = ~72" of 2" wide bias binding
For 100" of binding: need ~25" square
Circular Tablecloth
Formula:
- 1. Diameter + (2 × drop length) + 2" hem allowance
- 2. For one piece: Diameter in inches ÷ 36 = yards
- 3. Must piece if diameter greater than fabric width
Example: 60" round table, 12" drop = need 86" diameter = must piece
Pleated or Gathered Projects
Fullness multipliers:
- • Gentle gather: 1.5× finished width
- • Standard gather: 2× finished width
- • Very full gather: 3× finished width
Example: 48" wide gathered valance
48 × 2 = 96" wide needed. From 54" fabric: 2 widths. Length: 18" × 2 = 36" = 1 yard
5. Using Patterns: Reading Yardage Charts
How to Read Pattern Envelopes
- 1. Find your size in the size chart
- 2. Find your view (A, B, C, etc.)
- 3. Find fabric width column (usually 45" or 60")
- 4. Note contrast fabric needs
- 5. Check interfacing requirements
Pattern Yardage vs. Reality
⚠️ Important Warnings
- • Patterns assume no fabric flaws or mistakes
- • Patterns don't account for pattern matching
- • Directional prints may need 25-50% more
- • Always buy 1/4-1/2 yard extra!
When to Buy More Than the Pattern Says
- • One-way designs (up/down direction)
- • Large print repeats (add 1 repeat per major piece)
- • Napped fabrics (velvet, corduroy) - add 25-30%
- • Plaids or stripes to match at seams
- • Your first time with that pattern (buy extra for mistakes)
6. Common Yardage Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Not Accounting for Selvages
Problem: Selvages aren't usable. Solution: Subtract 1-2" from fabric width (45" = 43" usable)
Mistake 2: Forgetting Seam Allowances
Solution: Always add seam allowances (5/8" for garments, 1/4" for quilting)
Mistake 3: Rounding Down
Never: Buy 2.3 yards as 2 yards. Always: Round up to nearest 1/4 yard
Mistake 4: Ignoring Shrinkage
Solution: Add 10% for natural fibers, or prewash before cutting
Avoid Waste—Calculate First!
Let our calculator handle the math so you never make these mistakes
Calculate Fabric Yardage →7. Money-Saving Tips
How to Minimize Fabric Waste
- • Plan multiple projects from one cut of fabric
- • Use scraps for smaller projects (potholders, coasters)
- • Buy extra of favorites during sales
- • Calculate precisely using our calculator!
When to Buy Extra
- • Discontinued prints (buy now or never)
- • Sales on staple fabrics (muslin, lining)
- • Unique or hard-to-match prints
- • Your "someday" project fabric
When NOT to Buy Extra
- • Expensive designer fabric
- • Trendy prints you may tire of
- • When truly following a pattern exactly
Quick Reference Table
| Project | Fabric Needed |
|---|---|
| 18" Pillow | 1.25 yards |
| Napkin Set (4) | 1.25 yards |
| Throw Blanket | 2.5 yards |
| Simple Apron | 1.5 yards |
| Tea Towels (2) | 1 yard |
| Baby Quilt Back | 1.5 yards |
| Tote Bag | 1 yard |
| Table Runner (72") | 2.25 yards |
Yardage Conversion Charts
Quick Conversions
Common Yardage
- 1/4 yard = 9" = 23 cm
- 1/2 yard = 18" = 46 cm
- 3/4 yard = 27" = 69 cm
- 1 yard = 36" = 91 cm
- 1.5 yards = 54" = 137 cm
- 2 yards = 72" = 183 cm
Yards to Meters
- 1 yard = 0.91 meters
- 1 meter = 1.09 yards
Fat Quarter Math
1 fat quarter = regular 1/4 yard, cut differently
Same area, different shape (18" × 22" vs 9" × 44")
Key Takeaways
- • Always round up to the nearest 1/4 yard—better to have too much than too little
- • Add 10% for shrinkage unless you prewash
- • Add extra for: Pattern matching, mistakes, directional prints, napped fabrics
- • Use our calculator for complex projects or to double-check your math
- • When in doubt, buy more—you can always use scraps
Ready to Calculate Your Fabric Yardage?
Use our free calculator to get exact measurements for any sewing or quilting project.