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Tufting Yarn Calculator

Estimate the exact amount of yarn you need for your tufting project based on rug dimensions, pile height, stitch density, and yarn weight.

Total Yarn

2074 yd

Cones

13

Cost

$195

Weight

3.2 lbs

Percentages will be normalized to 100%.

Total Yarn

2074 yd

Cones

13

Rug Area

12.0 sq ft

Weight

3.2 lbs

Yarn per Color

Color 1 (50%)1037 yd
Color 2 (30%)622 yd
Color 3 (20%)415 yd

Color 1: 1037 yards = 6 cones

Color 2: 622 yards = 4 cones

Color 3: 415 yards = 3 cones

Cost Breakdown

Yarn$156
Backing$33
Adhesive$6

Total: $195

Shopping List

  • • Color 1: 6 cones (1037 yd)
  • • Color 2: 4 cones (622 yd)
  • • Color 3: 3 cones (415 yd)
  • • Primary tufting cloth: 14.4 sq ft (with overhang)
  • • Backing fabric: 12.0 sq ft
  • • Carpet adhesive: 1 tube(s)

What You'll Need

DABLINE 80" x 80" Large Overlocking Primary Tufting Cloth for Rug Tufting with Marked Lines, Monks Cloth for Punch Needle 6.6x6.6 feet

DABLINE 80" x 80" Large Overlocking Primary Tufting Cloth for Rug Tufting with Marked Lines, Monks Cloth for Punch Needle 6.6x6.6 feet

$26.994.7
View on Amazon
BESGEER 80" × 80" Tufting Cloth with Marked Lines - Monks Cloth for Rug tufting kit, Primary Tufting Cloth for Cut and Loop Pile Tufting Guns, Rug-Punch

BESGEER 80" × 80" Tufting Cloth with Marked Lines - Monks Cloth for Rug tufting kit, Primary Tufting Cloth for Cut and Loop Pile Tufting Guns, Rug-Punch

$22.994.7
View on Amazon
36PCS Bamboo Knitting Needles Set, BetyBedy Single Pointed Knitting Needles, 9 Inches Length Knitting Crochet Supplies for Beginners Handmade (18 Sizes from 2.0mm-10.0mm)

36PCS Bamboo Knitting Needles Set, BetyBedy Single Pointed Knitting Needles, 9 Inches Length Knitting Crochet Supplies for Beginners Handmade (18 Sizes from 2.0mm-10.0mm)

$8.254.5
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Coopay Bamboo Crochet Hooks Comfort Grip, 6.7" Crochet Kit Longer Aluminum Shaft Crochet Needles for Crocheting, Ergonomic Knitting Hooks Set for Crochet Yarn Craft, Premium Knitting Crochet Supplies

Coopay Bamboo Crochet Hooks Comfort Grip, 6.7" Crochet Kit Longer Aluminum Shaft Crochet Needles for Crocheting, Ergonomic Knitting Hooks Set for Crochet Yarn Craft, Premium Knitting Crochet Supplies

$15.994.6
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Susan Bates Digital Row Counter

Susan Bates Digital Row Counter

$7.994.4
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Digital Postal Scale, 66lbs/0.1oz Shipping Scale, Letter Scale, Large Scale with Stainless Steel, 2 AAA Batteries Include

Digital Postal Scale, 66lbs/0.1oz Shipping Scale, Letter Scale, Large Scale with Stainless Steel, 2 AAA Batteries Include

$23.994.6
View on Amazon
DABLINE 80" x 80" Large Overlocking Primary Tufting Cloth for Rug Tufting with Marked Lines, Monks Cloth for Punch Needle 6.6x6.6 feet

DABLINE 80" x 80" Large Overlocking Primary Tufting Cloth for Rug Tufting with Marked Lines, Monks Cloth for Punch Needle 6.6x6.6 feet

$26.994.7
View on Amazon
BESGEER 80" × 80" Tufting Cloth with Marked Lines - Monks Cloth for Rug tufting kit, Primary Tufting Cloth for Cut and Loop Pile Tufting Guns, Rug-Punch

BESGEER 80" × 80" Tufting Cloth with Marked Lines - Monks Cloth for Rug tufting kit, Primary Tufting Cloth for Cut and Loop Pile Tufting Guns, Rug-Punch

$22.994.7
View on Amazon
36PCS Bamboo Knitting Needles Set, BetyBedy Single Pointed Knitting Needles, 9 Inches Length Knitting Crochet Supplies for Beginners Handmade (18 Sizes from 2.0mm-10.0mm)

36PCS Bamboo Knitting Needles Set, BetyBedy Single Pointed Knitting Needles, 9 Inches Length Knitting Crochet Supplies for Beginners Handmade (18 Sizes from 2.0mm-10.0mm)

$8.254.5
View on Amazon
Coopay Bamboo Crochet Hooks Comfort Grip, 6.7" Crochet Kit Longer Aluminum Shaft Crochet Needles for Crocheting, Ergonomic Knitting Hooks Set for Crochet Yarn Craft, Premium Knitting Crochet Supplies

Coopay Bamboo Crochet Hooks Comfort Grip, 6.7" Crochet Kit Longer Aluminum Shaft Crochet Needles for Crocheting, Ergonomic Knitting Hooks Set for Crochet Yarn Craft, Premium Knitting Crochet Supplies

$15.994.6
View on Amazon
Susan Bates Digital Row Counter

Susan Bates Digital Row Counter

$7.994.4
View on Amazon
Digital Postal Scale, 66lbs/0.1oz Shipping Scale, Letter Scale, Large Scale with Stainless Steel, 2 AAA Batteries Include

Digital Postal Scale, 66lbs/0.1oz Shipping Scale, Letter Scale, Large Scale with Stainless Steel, 2 AAA Batteries Include

$23.994.6
View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Example Calculations

1Medium Cut Pile Acrylic Rug

Inputs

Rug Size3’ × 5’ (15 sq ft)
Pile Height1/2 inch
Pile TypeCut Pile
Yarn TypeAcrylic Bulky

Result

Yarn Needed4.2 lbs (1,905 g)
Skeins (100g)20 skeins
Estimated Cost$60–$100

A 3’ × 5’ cut pile rug at standard density uses about 4.2 lbs of bulky acrylic yarn, which translates to 20 standard 100g skeins at $3–5 each.

2Small Loop Pile Wool Rug

Inputs

Rug Size2’ × 3’ (6 sq ft)
Pile Height3/8 inch
Pile TypeLoop Pile
Yarn TypeWool Bulky

Result

Yarn Needed1.3 lbs (590 g)
Skeins (100g)6 skeins
Estimated Cost$70–$150

A small 2’ × 3’ loop pile rug needs only 1.3 lbs of yarn. Loop pile uses less than cut pile since the loops aren’t trimmed. Wool skeins cost $12–25 each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much yarn do I need to tuft a rug?

You’ll use approximately 8 ounces (200g) of yarn per square foot with a cut pile gun at 12mm pile height. A 2’ × 3’ rug needs about 1.5–2.0 lbs, while a 4’ × 6’ rug uses 6–9 lbs. Wool weighs roughly 2.5× more than acrylic for the same coverage area.

  • 2’ × 3’ rug: 1.5–2 lbs of yarn
  • 3’ × 5’ rug: 3–5 lbs of yarn
  • 4’ × 6’ rug: 6–9 lbs of yarn
  • Cut pile uses 20–30% more yarn than loop pile
  • Higher pile height (3/4" vs 1/2") increases yarn by ~50%
Q

What is the best yarn for tufting guns?

Acrylic yarn in bulky or super bulky weight (5–6) is the most popular choice for tufting because it’s affordable, widely available, and works well with most tufting guns. Wool is premium but costs 3–5× more. Avoid textured or boucle yarns as they jam tufting guns.

  • Acrylic bulky: $3–$6 per 100g skein, good color range
  • Wool: $12–$25 per 100g skein, best durability and feel
  • Cotton: $5–$10 per 100g, less elastic, harder to tuft
  • Yarn weight 5 (bulky) or 6 (super bulky) works best
  • Avoid yarn with texture or boucle — it jams tufting guns
Q

What stitch density should I use for tufting?

Standard tufting density is 5–8 mm between rows, set by your tufting gun’s gauge. Tighter spacing (5 mm) creates denser, more durable rugs but uses more yarn. Wider spacing (8 mm) is faster and uses less yarn but feels thinner underfoot.

  • 5 mm spacing: dense, luxurious feel, maximum yarn usage
  • 6 mm spacing: good balance of density and efficiency
  • 8 mm spacing: budget-friendly, lighter rug, faster to tuft
  • Row spacing set by tufting gun’s built-in gauge
  • Stitch-per-inch range: 3–5 stitches depending on yarn weight
Q

How much does it cost to make a tufted rug?

Material costs for a 3’ × 5’ tufted rug range from $30–$60 with acrylic yarn to $80–$150 with wool. Add $15–$25 for backing cloth, adhesive, and finishing materials. The tufting gun itself costs $80–$300 depending on type.

  • Acrylic yarn (4 lbs): $25–$50
  • Monks cloth or primary backing: $10–$20
  • Rug adhesive/latex: $10–$15
  • Secondary backing fabric: $5–$10
  • Total material cost: $50–$95 (acrylic), $100–$200 (wool)

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Last Updated: Jun 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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