Fabric Yardage Calculator (Pieces from a Bolt)
Enter the number of pieces, their size and the fabric width.
Your numbers
%
Your results
Fabric to buy (yards)
Fabric to buy (yards)
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In metres
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Pieces per row
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Rows
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Waste across the width (in)
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Fabric Yardage Calculator (Pieces from a Bolt) by TheCalcTools
How the Fabric Yardage Calculator (Pieces from a Bolt) works
Pieces are cut in rows across the fabric: pieces per row = usable width ÷ piece width (rounded down). Rows needed = pieces ÷ pieces per row (rounded up), and the length is rows × piece length.
Add 5% to 10% for shrinkage, straightening the grain and cutting errors. Directional prints may need more.
The formula
Length = ⌈n ÷ ⌊width ÷ piece width⌋⌉ × piece length
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Number of pieces | 24 |
|---|---|
| Piece width (in) | 6.5 |
| Piece length (in) | 6.5 |
| Usable fabric width (in) | 42 |
| Extra for shrinkage and straightening | 10 % |
- 24 squares of 6.5 in from 42 in fabric: 6 per row, 4 rows.
- Buy 0.79 yards (0.73 m) including 10% extra.
Result:
| Fabric to buy (yards) | 0.79 |
|---|---|
| In metres | 0.73 |
| Pieces per row | 6 |
| Rows | 4 |
| Waste across the width (in) | 3.00 |
Frequently asked questions
Should I prewash fabric?
Many quilters do; cotton can shrink 3% to 5%, which the allowance covers.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.