Bag Calculator

Estimate how much fabric you need for a tote bag or similar project, and see the box corner size if you are sewing a structured bag.

This follows the Omni formula: width and height are based on the bag dimensions plus a fixed seam allowance, and the box corner is half the depth.

Fabric Estimate

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Run the calculation to see the fabric and box corner measurements.

Quick Answer

The bag calculator estimates the cut size of the fabric and the size of the box corners from your desired bag width, height, and depth.

How to Use It

  1. Enter the desired width, height, and depth of the bag.
  2. Choose inches or centimeters.
  3. Click Calculate.
  4. Use the fabric dimensions as your cutting guide.

Formula

Fabric width = 2 × width + 2 × depth + 1

Fabric height = height + depth / 2 + 1

Box corner = depth / 2

The fixed 1-inch extra length represents the seam allowance from the reference formula.

Worked Examples

Example 1: A 32 x 44 x 18 inch bag needs 102.5 x 55.5 inches of fabric and 9 inch box corners.

Example 2: A 40 x 30 x 10 cm bag can be converted into inches before using the formula.

Example 3: A deeper bag always increases the box corner size because it is half the depth.

How to Interpret the Result

Output Meaning
Fabric widthThe cut width needed for the main panel.
Fabric heightThe cut height needed for the main panel.
Box cornerThe square cutout size needed to create a boxed bottom.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is the square cutout at each corner of the fabric that gives the bag a flat bottom and more depth.

That extra inch gives you a practical seam allowance so the finished bag has the intended size.

It is most useful for tote-style bags, but the sizing logic can help with other square-bottom sewing projects too.

Related Calculators

References

  • OmniCalculator reference page
  • The formula uses the width, height, depth, and a fixed seam allowance from the reference page.
  • Last reviewed: March 2026.