Fabric & sewing calculators

Fabric Yardage Calculator

Calculate yardage from piece dimensions, fabric width and cutting allowances. The estimator uses a simple row layout and supports both inches/yards and centimetres/metres.

Calculate fabric yardage

Measurement units

Number of identical pieces

Cut length per piece (inches)

Cut width per piece (inches)

Usable fabric width (inches)

Extra length per row (inches)

Additional purchase allowance (%)

Assumes identical pieces placed with the entered piece width across the usable fabric width. It does not optimize complex layouts, directional prints or pattern repeats.

Method and example

Pieces across = floor(usable width ÷ cut width). Rows = ceiling(piece count ÷ pieces across). Required length = rows × (cut length + row allowance), then add the chosen purchase allowance.

For four pieces measuring 36 × 20 inches on 44-inch fabric, two pieces fit across. Two rows at 38 inches each require 76 inches, or 2.11 yards before purchase allowance. Always confirm the actual pattern layout.

Before buying

Measure usable width, excluding unusable selvages.
Check grain direction, nap, print direction, shrinkage and pattern repeats.
Use a pattern-specific layout for garments or pieces with different dimensions.

Related fabric tools

Estimates are for planning, not a substitute for checking your pattern, supplier specifications, fabric grain, usable width, shrinkage and pattern repeats.