Fabric Calculator
How many yards of fabric your project needs, accounting for bolt width and pattern repeat
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Quick summary
Enter the finished size of each piece, how many you need, the fabric's bolt width, and any pattern repeat — the calculator works out how many pieces fit across the bolt, how many rows to cut, and the total yardage (and meters) including a waste allowance. Patterned fabric rounds each row up to a full repeat so motifs line up, which uses more. Buy a little extra for matching and shrinkage.
Reviewed by Simple Calculators TeamLast reviewed
How to use this calculator
- Enter the inputs requested by the calculator.
- Choose the units or options that match your situation and review the assumptions.
- Run or update the calculation to see the result.
- Review the result, breakdown, and formulas shown on the page.
- Check the inputs, units, dates, and limitations before saving or sharing the result.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need?
It depends on your piece dimensions, how many you're cutting, and the usable width of the fabric. The calculator figures how many pieces fit across the bolt width, how many rows that requires, and multiplies by the row length (plus waste) to get total yardage.
What is a pattern repeat and why does it matter?
A pattern repeat is the vertical distance before a printed or woven design starts over. To make motifs line up across seams, each cut piece must start at the same point in the repeat, so you round each row up to a full repeat — which increases the fabric needed. Solids have no repeat.
How much extra fabric should I buy?
A 10–15% waste allowance is typical for cutting, matching, and errors, plus more if the fabric shrinks when washed. Pre-wash fabric that will be laundered later, and always buy a little extra from the same bolt/dye lot to avoid color mismatches.
What are common fabric bolt widths?
Quilting cotton is usually 42–44 inches, apparel fabrics 54–60 inches, and home-décor and sheeting can be 108 inches. Wider fabric often means fewer rows and less total yardage, so the bolt width materially changes the answer — pick the right one.
Key terms
- Bolt Width
- The usable width of the fabric as sold, e.g. 44 or 60 inches.
- Pattern Repeat
- The distance before a design repeats; forces rows to align, using more fabric.
- Dye Lot
- A batch of fabric dyed together; colors can differ slightly between lots.
- Waste Allowance
- Extra fabric (typically 10–15%) for cutting, matching, and shrinkage.
Methodology, sources & limitations
This page shows the formula, assumptions, and limitations used for this estimate. Rates, thresholds, and other time-sensitive inputs can change, so verify them against the relevant official source before relying on a result.
For our review approach and the primary sources we consult, see the methodology and source policy. If you spot an outdated figure or formula, please contact us with a correction.