Quilt Fabric Calculator
Calculates the yards of fabric needed for a quilt's backing and binding based on finished dimensions, batting overhang, and binding strip width. Ideal for quilters planning a new project before visiting the fabric store.
Last updated: September 2026
Formula below · 1 source (Wikipedia) · Updated Sep 2026
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About this calculator
A quilt needs a backing larger than the top and a binding long enough to go around it. Backing: the backing is (quiltLength + 2 × overhang) by (quiltWidth + 2 × overhang). Backing has to be cut in whole fabric widths: if the backing is wider than one usable width of fabric (the bolt width minus about 2 inches for selvages and the seam), you need two or more full-length panels seamed together, or panels run crosswise. The calculator works out both layouts, panels = ⌈backing width ÷ usable width⌉ lengths of the backing length, or ⌈backing length ÷ usable width⌉ lengths of the backing width, and uses whichever needs less fabric. That is why a quilt slightly wider than one width needs about twice the yardage its area suggests. Binding: the perimeter 2 × (length + width) plus 10 inches for joining and mitering is cut from strips across the fabric width, so strips = ⌈(perimeter + 10) ÷ usable width⌉ and binding yardage = strips × strip width ÷ 36. Each part is rounded up to whole yards and the two are added, so you never buy less than you need.
How to use
Imagine a 60 × 80 inch quilt, 44-inch-wide fabric (about 42 inches usable), a 3-inch overhang on each side, and 2.5-inch binding strips. Backing: 86 × 66 inches; 66 inches needs two widths, so 2 panels × 86 inches = 172 inches = 4.78 yards, rounded up to 5 yards. Binding: perimeter (80 + 60) × 2 + 10 = 290 inches; strips = ⌈290 ÷ 42⌉ = 7; 7 × 2.5 = 17.5 inches = 0.49 yard, rounded up to 1 yard. Total: 5 + 1 = 6 yards.
Frequently asked questions
How much overhang should I add to quilt backing and batting?
Most quilters add 2–4 inches of overhang on each side of the quilt top for both the batting and the backing. This extra margin gives you room to adjust the quilt sandwich during basting and accounts for any shifting during the quilting process. A 3-inch overhang is a common default for machine quilting, while longarm quilters sometimes request 4–6 inches. Skimping on overhang is a leading cause of frustrating gaps at the edges of a finished quilt.
What width binding strips should I use for a standard quilt?
The most common binding strip width is 2.25 to 2.5 inches cut on the straight grain, which yields a finished binding of about 0.25 to 0.375 inches when folded double and sewn with a quarter-inch seam. Bias-cut binding uses slightly more fabric but stretches around curved edges and wears more slowly. Thicker batting may call for wider strips — up to 3 inches — so the binding fully wraps around the edge. Your calculator's bindingWidth field lets you set the exact strip width you prefer.
Why does the quilt fabric calculator round up to whole yards?
Fabric is sold in whole or half-yard increments at most shops, and you cannot purchase a fraction of a yard like 3.58 yards. Rounding up with the ceiling function ensures you always have enough material to complete the quilt without making a second trip to the store. It also provides a small built-in safety margin for cutting errors, seam variation, or fabric that gets cropped unevenly off the bolt. It is always better to have a few leftover inches than to fall short at the final step.