Pocket Size Calculator
Measure your hand across the knuckles, choose the type of pocket and your seam allowance. The calculator gives the finished pocket size, the cut size with allowances and the top hem.
- Sized to your hand
- Finished and cut size
- Five pocket styles
Measure your hand flat with fingers together, across the widest part at the knuckles.
A pocket has to fit a hand, not just look right. Patterns often give a pocket size for one body size. If your hands are bigger or smaller, the pocket can be hard to use. Sizing from your hand width plus a little ease gives a pocket that looks in proportion and works.
Typical pocket sizes
Finished sizes for an average adult. Search for a pocket.
| Width (cm) | Depth (cm) | Width (in) | Depth (in) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shirt chest | 12 | 14 | 4.75 | 5.5 |
| Jeans back, women's | 13 | 14 | 5.1 | 5.5 |
| Jeans back, men's | 14.5 | 15.5 | 5.7 | 6.1 |
| Jacket patch | 16 | 17 | 6.3 | 6.7 |
| Cargo | 17 | 20 | 6.7 | 7.9 |
| Apron | 16 | 15 | 6.3 | 5.9 |
| Tote inside | 16 | 18 | 6.3 | 7.1 |
| Child's jeans back | 10 | 11 | 3.9 | 4.3 |
Women's jeans back pockets are often 1 to 2 cm smaller than men's. Children's pockets scale with hand width.
Hand width and pocket width
Four pocket types. Slide the hand width.
Cargo pockets get the most ease because they are pleated or bellowed to hold bulky items.
How to cut a patch pocket
Finished size first. Step through it.
Measure your hand
Across the knuckles.
Make a card template at the finished size and press the seam allowances over it. It gives crisp, even edges.
Square, pointed or rounded
The bottom shape sets the style. Pick a shape.
Simple and modern. Easiest to sew neatly.
The classic jeans and shirt shape.
Soft corners for jackets and casual wear.
Rounded corners need small notches in the seam allowance so they lie flat when pressed.
Before stitching a pocket
Small steps, neater result. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Bar tack or triangle stitch the top corners. They take all the strain when you put your hand in.
What you get
Every measurement to cut. Each tile explains one result.
Width and depth when sewn.
With seam and hem allowances.
The finished size in inches.
Top hem depth for the style.
Room left for your hand.
Hand clearance is the gap between your hand and the pocket opening. Less than 3 cm feels tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How big should a jeans back pocket be?
About 14 to 15 cm wide and 15 to 16 cm deep for men, a little smaller for women.
What size is a shirt chest pocket?
Usually about 12 cm wide and 14 cm deep.
How do I size a pocket to my hand?
Measure across your knuckles and add 3 to 8 cm of ease depending on the pocket type.
How much seam allowance for a patch pocket?
Usually 1 to 1.5 cm on the sides and bottom, and 2.5 to 4 cm folded at the top.
Should the pocket be on the same grain as the garment?
Yes, unless you want a bias-cut look. Matching grain helps it lie flat.
How deep should a phone pocket be?
At least 2 cm more than the phone's height so it does not fall out.
How do I make pocket corners strong?
Stitch a small triangle or bar tack at each top corner.
Pockets that fit your hands
Start from your hand width, add ease for the pocket type and then the allowances. Cut, press over a template and reinforce the corners for a pocket that looks right and lasts.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.