Fabric Yardage Calculator

Estimate the length of fabric to buy for identical rectangular pieces. Fabric width runs across the bolt; purchased yardage runs along it.

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How to Use the Fabric Yardage Calculator

Enter usable fabric width in inches before washing, excluding selvages. Enter the required piece width and length after washing, then the whole-number piece count. Add any seam allowance per edge, expected shrinkage and extra waste. Enable rotation only if your pattern permits it. Optionally enter price per yard.

Formula and Explanation

Cut width = piece width + 2 × seam allowance
Cut length = piece length + 2 × seam allowance
Usable width after washing = fabric width × (1 − shrinkage / 100)
Pieces across = floor(usable width / cut width)
Rows = ceil(piece count / pieces across)
Yards to buy = rows × cut length / (1 − shrinkage / 100) × (1 + waste / 100) / 36

The estimate assumes the same linear shrinkage across the width and along the purchased length. Shrinkage can reduce the number of pieces that fit across. Optional rotation compares two uniform row layouts and chooses the shorter purchase length; it does not mix orientations. Price uses calculated yardage before a shop rounds it to a selling increment.

This is a rectangular row layout, not a pattern nesting optimizer. Rotation is off by default. Directional prints, nap, grain requirements, pattern matching, defects, hems and irregular shapes can need more fabric. Shrinkage may differ by direction; use a tested allowance or a pattern-specific cutting plan. If fabric is already preshrunk and measured, enter zero shrinkage. Round purchases up to the shop’s increment.

Worked Example

For 12 pieces measuring 10 × 15 inches, 0.5-inch seam allowance per edge gives 11 × 16-inch cut pieces. On 44-inch usable fabric with no shrinkage, four fit across and three rows require 48 inches. Add 10% waste: 52.8 inches ÷ 36 = about 1.467 yards. At $12 per yard the estimate is $17.60, before shop purchase rounding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fabric width and yardage?

Width is the usable distance across the bolt, entered in inches. Yardage is the length purchased along the bolt; one yard of length is 36 inches regardless of fabric width.

Does seam allowance apply on every edge?

Yes. The entered allowance is added twice to each piece dimension. If your pattern already includes seam allowance, enter zero to avoid counting it twice.

When should I allow rotation?

Enable rotation only when the pattern, fabric grain, print and nap permit a 90-degree turn. The calculator compares uniform layouts and does not assume mixed-orientation nesting.

What if a piece is wider than the fabric?

The calculator reports an error when neither permitted orientation fits the width after shrinkage. Choose wider fabric, revise the pattern or enable rotation only if it is allowed.