Fabric Size Calculator
Enter the size of each piece, how many you need, the fabric width and any pattern repeat. The calculator lays the pieces across the fabric and gives the length to buy with 10% allowance.
- Fabric to buy
- Pieces across
- Rows
Usable width is about 1 in less than the bolt width because of the selvedges.
Fabric is bought by length, cut across its width. Twelve 10 × 12 in pieces fit four across 44 in fabric, so three rows of 12 in make 36 in. With 10% for shrinkage that is 1 1/8 yd to buy.
Fabric yardage chart
44 in fabric, 10% added. Search for a piece.
| Piece (in) | Across | Rows | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 × 5 | 8 | 2 | 0.31 |
| 6 × 6 | 7 | 2 | 0.37 |
| 8 × 10 | 5 | 3 | 0.92 |
| 10 × 12 | 4 | 3 | 1.1 |
| 12 × 12 | 3 | 4 | 1.47 |
| 14 × 18 | 3 | 4 | 2.2 |
| 20 × 20 | 2 | 6 | 3.67 |
| 21 × 30 | 2 | 6 | 5.5 |
Yards.
Piece width and fabric
8 pieces 20 in long. Slide the piece width.
Pieces are laid out on the fabric.
How to work out fabric
Pieces to yards. Step through it.
Pieces
Size and count.
Pre-wash cotton before cutting so it shrinks first.
44, 54 or 60 in fabric
Fabric widths. Compare them.
Quilting cotton.
Home decor.
Apparel.
Wider fabric can fit an extra piece across and save length.
Before you cut
Fabric checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Fold fabric along the grain before cutting.
What you get
Fabric sizing. Each tile explains one result.
Yards or metres.
Pieces.
Count.
Added.
Per row.
A fat quarter is 18 × 22 in.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How much fabric do I need?
Fit the pieces across the width, count the rows and add ten per cent.
How many pieces fit across the fabric?
Divide the usable width by the piece width and round down.
How much fabric for twelve squares of ten inches?
About one and an eighth yards of forty four inch fabric.
Should I add extra fabric?
Yes, about ten per cent for shrinkage and squaring up.
What is a pattern repeat?
The length after which a printed pattern starts again.
Is wider fabric better?
It can fit more pieces across and cut the length you need.
How do I convert yards to metres?
Multiply by point nine one four four.
Buy fabric once
Plan the layout first and buy the length you need with a little to spare.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.