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Fabric Yardage Calculator

Calculate fabric for your project

Fabric Needed

0.77 yards

Meters

0.7 m

Coverage

8.6 sq ft

1.×"×

Fabric Needed

0.77

yards (0.7 m)

Coverage Area8.6 sq ft

Fabric Requirements

Yards Needed0.8
Meters0.7
Coverage (sq ft)8.6

Example Calculations

1Two Pillow Covers (18" x 24")

Inputs

Piece Size18" × 24"
Quantity2
Fabric Width45"
Waste Factor15%

Result

Fabric Needed0.77 yards (0.7 m)
Coverage Area8.7 sq ft

Two 18"-wide pieces fit across a 45" bolt (floor(45/18) = 2), so only 1 row of cuts is needed. Total length = 1 × 24" = 24". With 15% waste: 24 × 1.15 = 27.6". Convert to yards: 27.6 / 36 = 0.77 yards.

2Four Cushion Panels (22" x 36")

Inputs

Piece Size22" × 36"
Quantity4
Fabric Width45"
Waste Factor10%

Result

Fabric Needed2.2 yards (2.01 m)
Coverage Area24.8 sq ft

Two 22"-wide pieces fit across a 45" bolt (floor(45/22) = 2). For 4 pieces: ceil(4/2) = 2 rows. Total length = 2 × 36" = 72". With 10% waste: 72 × 1.10 = 79.2". Convert to yards: 79.2 / 36 = 2.2 yards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

What is a standard fabric width?

Quilting cottons are typically 42-45" wide. Home decor fabrics are 54-60" wide. Fashion fabrics vary from 45-60" wide.

  • Quilting cottons: 42–45" wide, available at $8–$15/yard from most fabric stores
  • Home decor/upholstery fabrics: 54–60" wide, heavier weight at $15–$40/yard
  • Fashion fabrics (silk, rayon, linen): 45–60" wide, width varies by manufacturer
  • Fleece and knits: typically 58–60" wide, providing more pieces per row of cuts
  • Always verify bolt width before purchasing – it is printed on the bolt end label
Fabric TypeTypical WidthPrice Range/Yard
Quilting Cotton42–45"$8–$15
Home Decor/Upholstery54–60"$15–$40
Fashion (Silk, Linen)45–60"$12–$30
Fleece/Knit58–60"$10–$20
Q

How much extra fabric should I buy?

Add 10-15% for waste, shrinkage, and cutting errors. Add more for pattern matching (stripes, plaids) or napped fabrics.

  • Plain fabrics: add 10–15% extra for cutting waste and straight-edge trimming
  • Striped or plaid fabrics: add 20–25% extra to match pattern repeats across seams
  • One-way prints or napped fabrics (velvet, corduroy): add 15–20% for directional cutting
  • Large pattern repeats (12"+ repeat): buy one full repeat extra per piece for matching
  • First-time sewers should add 20% extra to account for learning-curve cutting errors
Q

Should I prewash fabric?

Prewashing removes sizing and allows for shrinkage before cutting. Most natural fibers can shrink 2-5%. Prewash if the finished item will be washed.

  • Cotton shrinks 2–5% on first wash – prewash to avoid a finished garment shrinking a full size
  • Linen can shrink up to 10% – always prewash and dry before cutting
  • Rayon shrinks 3–5% and can lose drape – hand wash gently in cold water
  • Polyester and nylon have minimal shrinkage (under 1%) and generally do not need prewashing
  • Wash fabric on the same settings you will use for the finished item (hot, warm, or cold)
Q

How do I convert between yards and meters of fabric?

One yard equals 0.9144 meters. To convert yards to meters, multiply by 0.9144. To convert meters to yards, multiply by 1.0936.

  • 1 yard = 0.9144 meters = 36 inches = 91.44 centimeters
  • 1 meter = 1.0936 yards = 39.37 inches – slightly longer than a yard
  • European and Asian fabric is sold by the meter; US and UK fabric is sold by the yard
  • For quick mental math: 1 yard ≈ 0.9 m, so 3 yards ≈ 2.7 m

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Last Updated: Mar 11, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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