Calculate Fabric Yardage
Real-time results as you type
Select a project for preset values, or enter custom dimensions.
18×18" Throw Pillow
front + back, 54" fabric
20×20" Euro Pillow
front + back, 54" fabric
84" Curtain Panel
2 panels, 54" fabric
Knee-Length Dress
main body piece, 45" fabric
Queen Quilt Top
90×96", 45" quilting cotton
Tablecloth
48×72" table, 12" drop, 60" fabric
Estimated Cost$0.00
Enter price per yard above to calculate total cost
Suggested Buy—
Rounded up to nearest standard cut (¼ yd increments)
Fabric Yardage by Project
Need fabric for a specific project? Use our specialized calculators:
How to Use the Fabric Yardage Calculator
- Select fabric width — Common widths from 36" quilting cotton to 108" wide drapery. Enter custom width if yours isn't listed.
- Enter piece dimensions — Length and width of each piece you need to cut from the fabric.
- Adjust seam and waste — Standard seam allowance is ½". Beginners should use 10-15% waste.
- Optional: enter price — Add the price per yard to see your total fabric cost instantly.
- Read the result — Results update in real time. Shows yards needed, multi-unit conversions, and estimated cost.
Pro tip: Use the quick preset cards above to instantly calculate common projects. Select "Pillow" for front-and-back yardage, "Curtain" for panel pairs, or "Quilt" for quilt tops.
How Yardage Is Calculated
Step 1: Adjusted piece size = dimension + seam allowance × 2 + hem + pattern repeat
Step 2: Pieces per width = fabric width ÷ adjusted piece width (round down)
Step 3: Rows needed = total pieces ÷ pieces per width (round up)
Step 4: Total inches = rows × adjusted piece length
Step 5: Yards = (total inches ÷ 36) × (1 + waste %)
Step 2: Pieces per width = fabric width ÷ adjusted piece width (round down)
Step 3: Rows needed = total pieces ÷ pieces per width (round up)
Step 4: Total inches = rows × adjusted piece length
Step 5: Yards = (total inches ÷ 36) × (1 + waste %)
Example: an 18×18" pillow needs 2 pieces (front + back). On 54" fabric with ½" seam allowance: each piece is 19" × 19". Two pieces fit side by side across 54", so only 1 row of 19" = 19" total. With 10% waste: 19" ÷ 36 × 1.1 = 0.58 → round up to ⅔ yard.
Standard Fabric Widths
| Width | Common Uses |
|---|---|
| 36" (91 cm) | Quilting cotton, lightweight prints |
| 45" (115 cm) | Blouses, shirts, dresses, light curtains |
| 54" (140 cm) | Home decor, medium upholstery, pants |
| 60" (150 cm) | Upholstery, drapery, coats |
| 108" (275 cm) | Wide drapery, sheers, seamless bedding |
Yardage by Project Type
Rough yardage estimates for common projects on 54" fabric (use the calculator above for exact results):
| Project | Yardage (54") | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Throw pillow (18×18") | ½ yd | Front + back, 2 fit per width |
| Euro pillow (20×20") | ⅔ yd | Front + back, 2 per width |
| Lumbar pillow (12×20") | ½ yd | Front + back |
| Curtain panel (84" drop) | 2½ yd | Per panel, includes hem |
| Knee-length skirt | 1 yd | Straight, 45" fabric |
| Simple dress (knee) | 2–2½ yd | Varies by size and style |
| Queen quilt top | 6½ yd | 45" quilting cotton |
| Tablecloth (48×72", 12" drop) | 3 yd | 60" fabric recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate fabric yardage for curtains?
Measure your window width and multiply by 2–2.5× for fullness. Add 6–8" for hems. Use the Curtain preset card above — it defaults to two panels on 54" fabric with standard allowances.
How many yards for a dress?
A knee-length dress in 45" fabric typically needs 2–2½ yards. Enter the dress length as piece length and the widest pattern piece width (usually the bodice or skirt width) in the calculator above.
Does fabric width affect yardage?
Yes. 60" fabric requires about 25% less yardage than 45" for the same project. Try switching the fabric width in the calculator above to see the difference instantly.
How much extra fabric should I buy?
Add 10–15% for shrinkage, cutting mistakes, and pattern matching. Beginners should use 15%, experienced sewers can use 5–10%. Set the waste percentage field above accordingly.
Is the calculator accurate for metric measurements?
Yes — click "Switch to Metric" at the top of the calculator. Enter dimensions in centimeters and get results in meters and centimeters.