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Fabric Calculator

Free fabric calculator to determine how much fabric you need. Calculate yardage for curtains, quilts, upholstery, tablecloths, and general sewing projects with pattern repeat adjustments.

Enter the dimensions of your cut pieces

in
in
in
in
%

Common Fabric Widths

36"
36" Quilting
45"
45" Standard
54"
54" Upholstery
60"
60" Wide
72"
72" Extra Wide

Calculate Fabric Yardage for Your Sewing Project

Planning a sewing project and wondering how much fabric to buy? Our free fabric calculator helps you determine exactly how many yards or meters of fabric you need. Whether you're making curtains, quilts, tablecloths, or custom clothing, simply enter your project dimensions and fabric width to get accurate yardage calculations.

What Is a Fabric Calculator?

A fabric calculator estimates the amount of fabric needed for a sewing project based on the dimensions of your cut pieces, the fabric width, and allowances for seams, pattern matching, and waste. It accounts for how efficiently pieces can be cut from the fabric bolt and helps prevent buying too little or too much fabric.

Fabric Yardage Formula

Yards = (Cut Length × Rows Needed) ÷ 36 × (1 + Waste %)

Why Use Our Fabric Calculator?

Multiple Project Types

Calculate fabric for curtains, quilts, tablecloths, upholstery, or general sewing with project-specific formulas.

Pattern Repeat Support

Account for patterned fabrics that require additional yardage for pattern matching at seams.

Standard Fabric Widths

Choose from common fabric widths including 36", 45", 54", 60", and 72" bolts.

Waste Allowance

Built-in waste percentage ensures you have enough fabric for mistakes and adjustments.

How to Calculate Fabric Yardage

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Fabric Calculator Applications

Home Seamstresses

Calculate fabric for DIY clothing, home decor, and craft projects.

Quilters

Determine yardage needed for quilt blocks, sashing, and borders.

Interior Decorators

Estimate fabric for curtains, upholstery, and tablecloths.

Fashion Students

Plan material purchases for garment construction projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend a 10% waste allowance as a starting point. For beginners or complex projects, consider 15-20%. For expensive fabric, you might reduce to 5% but cut more carefully. The calculator includes waste allowance in the final calculation.