Fabric Yardage Calculator
Enter the cut size and number of pieces, plus your fabric width. The calculator lays the pieces out in rows across the fabric and tells you how much length to buy, rounded up to the next 1/8 yard or 10 cm.
The formula
Worked example. nine 10 × 12 in pieces on 44 in fabric fit 4 per row in 3 rows, 36 in; with a 10% allowance that is 1.1 yd, so buy 1 1/8 yd.
How to use it
- Enter the cut size of one piece including seam allowance. Width is measured across the fabric, length along the grain, parallel to the selvage.
- Enter how many identical pieces you need and the usable width of the fabric. Quilting cotton is usually 42–44 in (about 110 cm) after removing the selvages; apparel and home decor fabric is often 54–60 in (137–150 cm).
- Tick the rotate option only if grain direction does not matter, for example on a solid fabric without nap or a directional print.
- Add an allowance for shrinkage when pre-washing and for straightening the cut edge. 10% is a safe default for cotton.
Questions
Why does rotating pieces change the answer?
Turning a piece 90° can fit more pieces in each row, but it puts the crosswise grain along the piece's length. Woven fabric stretches differently in each direction, and prints or napped fabrics like velvet and corduroy look different, so only rotate when that does not matter.
Does this work for pattern pieces that are not rectangles?
Use the smallest rectangle that contains each piece. The result will be slightly generous, which is usually what you want when buying fabric. For full garments, follow the yardage on the pattern envelope if one is given.
How much does fabric shrink?
Cotton and linen commonly shrink 3–5% in the first wash, sometimes more in length than width. Rayon and some knits can shrink more. Pre-wash and dry the fabric the way you will wash the finished item before cutting.