Fabric Yardage Calculator
Determines exactly how many yards of fabric to buy for any sewing project. Enter your project dimensions and the fabric's bolt width to avoid costly over- or under-buying.
About this calculator
Fabric is sold by the yard, but projects are measured in inches — so converting between the two is essential. The formula first calculates the total area of your project in square inches (length × width), then divides by the fabric width to find how many inches of fabric length you need along the bolt. Dividing by 36 converts that length into yards. Written out: yardage = (length × width) / fabricWidth / 36. Note that this gives the theoretical minimum; experienced sewists typically round up to the nearest quarter-yard and add 10–15% for pattern matching, shrinkage, or cutting errors. Always check whether your fabric width (commonly 44", 54", or 60") matches the bolt you plan to purchase.
How to use
Suppose you are making a rectangular tablecloth that is 60 inches long and 90 inches wide, using 60-inch-wide fabric. Step 1 — multiply the project dimensions: 60 × 90 = 5,400 sq in. Step 2 — divide by fabric width: 5,400 / 60 = 90 inches of fabric length needed. Step 3 — convert to yards: 90 / 36 = 2.5 yards. You would purchase at least 2.5 yards — or round up to 2.75 yards to allow for hemming and any cutting imprecision.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate fabric yardage for a project with an irregular shape?
Break the shape into rectangles and calculate the yardage for each section separately using the same formula. Add the results together, then add a buffer of 10–15% for waste and seam allowances. For very complex shapes like curved garment pieces, using a commercial pattern's listed yardage as a cross-check is a good idea.
Why does fabric width affect how many yards I need to buy?
Fabric sold on a bolt has a fixed width — typically 44", 54", or 60" — and you cut along the length of the bolt. A wider fabric means each yard covers more area, so you need fewer yards for the same project. Choosing a 60" wide fabric instead of a 44" wide fabric for the same project can reduce your yardage requirement by roughly 25%, saving both money and material.
How much extra fabric should I buy for shrinkage and mistakes?
Most sewists add at least 10% to their calculated yardage as a safety buffer. Woven natural fabrics like cotton or linen can shrink 3–5% when washed, so pre-washing your fabric is strongly recommended. Pattern matching on plaids or large prints may require an additional full repeat's worth of fabric, which can be several extra inches to a full yard depending on the repeat size.