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Fabric Yardage Calculator

Enter project dimensions and fabric width — get exact yardage needed, with pattern repeat adjustment

Project Dimensions

Fabric Settings

Leave 0 for solid/no match

About This Tool

Buying too little fabric means a trip back to the store and hoping the same dye lot is available. Buying too much wastes money. This calculator tells you exactly how much fabric you need for your project. Enter your project dimensions, select your fabric width, and optionally add pattern repeat for prints that need matching. The calculator shows yardage needed with a recommended buffer for cutting waste and straightening the grain. Works for any sewing project — curtains, tablecloths, quilts, garments, upholstery, and more. Just enter the finished dimensions and let the calculator handle the math.

How to Use

1. Select your project type or enter custom dimensions 2. Enter the finished width and length of your project 3. Select your fabric width (44", 54", or 60" are most common) 4. If using a print with a repeating pattern, enter the repeat length 5. Add seam allowance if not already included in your dimensions 6. View the total yardage needed, including recommended buffer

Formula

Cuts needed = ceiling(Project width / Usable fabric width) Length per cut = Project length + Seam allowances If pattern repeat: Length per cut = ceiling(Length / Repeat) × Repeat Total length = Cuts × Length per cut Yards = Total length / 36

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate fabric yardage?
Divide your project width by the usable fabric width (bolt width minus selvages) to find how many cuts you need. Multiply the number of cuts by the project length. If your fabric has a pattern repeat, round each cut up to the next full repeat. Convert total inches to yards by dividing by 36.
What is a pattern repeat and why does it matter?
Pattern repeat is the distance before a printed design repeats itself. If you're matching patterns across seams (like on curtains or upholstery), each cut must start at the same point in the pattern. This means each cut may need extra fabric to align properly. A 12-inch repeat on a 40-inch cut actually needs 48 inches (4 full repeats).
What are standard fabric widths?
Quilting cotton is typically 44-45 inches wide. Home décor fabric is often 54 inches. Upholstery and drapery fabrics are commonly 54-60 inches. Apparel fabrics vary from 45 to 60 inches. Knits are often 58-60 inches. Always check the bolt — widths can vary by manufacturer.
How much extra fabric should I buy?
Add 10-15% for cutting waste, straightening grain, and mistakes. For beginners or complex projects, add 20%. If the fabric might shrink (cotton, linen), buy extra and pre-wash before cutting. For pattern matching, the calculator already accounts for repeat waste.
How do I measure for curtains?
Measure window width and multiply by 1.5-3× for fullness (2× is standard). For length, measure from rod to desired endpoint (sill, below sill, or floor) and add for hems and rod pocket. Each curtain panel is calculated separately, then doubled for a pair.
How much fabric for a tablecloth?
Measure table length and width, then add drop length on all sides (8-10 inches for casual, 15 inches for formal, 30 inches for floor-length). A 60×36 inch table with 10-inch drop needs 80×56 inches of fabric.
What is usable fabric width?
Usable width is the bolt width minus selvages (the tightly woven edges). Selvages are typically 0.5-1 inch on each side. For a 45-inch fabric, usable width is about 43-44 inches. Some quilters use selvages, but for most projects, exclude them from your calculations.