Fabric Calculator
Estimate the fabric needed for a project using the width of the fabric, piece size, quantity, and waste allowance.
This works well for quilts, curtains, covers, panels, and other rectangular sewing projects.
Result
--
Run the calculation to see the yardage.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Pieces across | -- |
| Rows needed | -- |
| Base length | -- |
| Total length | -- |
Quick Answer
Divide the fabric width by the piece width to find how many pieces fit across, then multiply the rows by the piece length to get the yardage.
How to Calculate
- Choose your measurement unit.
- Enter the width of the fabric and the width and length of one piece.
- Enter how many pieces you need.
- Add a waste allowance if you want a safer estimate.
Formula
Pieces across = floor(fabric width / piece width)
Rows needed = ceil(quantity / pieces across)
Total length = rows needed x piece length x (1 + waste allowance)
Worked Examples
Example 1: Four 18 inch by 24 inch pieces from 54 inch fabric need 48 inches plus waste.
Example 2: A 10 percent waste allowance gives a safer purchase estimate.
Example 3: Metric inputs are converted before the yardage is shown.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Output | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pieces across | How many pieces fit in one fabric width. | Make sure this is at least one. |
| Rows needed | How many lengthwise rows are required. | Round up if you need a whole row. |
| Total length | The amount of fabric to buy. | Add extra if you want more cutting room. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
References
- OmniCalculator reference page
- Fabric yardage depends on fabric width, piece dimensions, and quantity.
- Last reviewed: March 2026.