Fabric Yardage Calculator
Find yards of fabric for a pieced quilt backing (both seam directions compared), width-of-fabric border strips, or a count of rectangular pieces with pattern repeat.
Interactive calculator · Method FABRIC-YARDAGE-1.0 · Last reviewed: 2026-11-04
Calculate your scenario
Backing: add the extra to every side, then panels = ⌈(needed width − 2 × seam) ÷ (fabric width − 2 × seam)⌉ for seams running lengthwise (each panel as long as the backing) and the same across the length for crosswise seams; the shorter total length is used.
Your inputs
Default worked example. Edit the inputs to calculate your scenario.
Default worked example
136 in ÷ 36 = 3.778 yd, rounded up to the next 0.125 yd = 3.875 yd. Other direction: 2 panel(s), 4.44 yd before rounding.
How to use the calculator
Pick backing, borders or pieces. Enter the quilt size (or piece size and count), the usable fabric width, seam allowance and extra, then the purchase increment your shop sells in.
What the result means
A 60 × 72 in quilt with 4 in extra per side needs a 68 × 80 in backing; two 42 in panels seamed crosswise use 136 in, so buy 3.875 yd.
Formula and units
Backing: add the extra to every side, then panels = ⌈(needed width − 2 × seam) ÷ (fabric width − 2 × seam)⌉ for seams running lengthwise (each panel as long as the backing) and the same across the length for crosswise seams; the shorter total length is used. Borders: total strip length = border lengths plus the extra at each end; width-of-fabric strips = ⌈(total − 2 × seam) ÷ (fabric width − 2 × seam)⌉, each cut border width + 2 × seam wide. Pieces: pieces across = ⌊fabric width ÷ piece width⌋, rows = ⌈count ÷ across⌉, row length rounded up to the pattern repeat; the piece is also tried turned. Yards = inches ÷ 36, rounded up to the chosen increment.
Worked examples
60 × 72 in quilt backing from 42 in fabric: Quilt (or quilt top) width: 60 in; Quilt (or quilt top) length: 72 in; Backing extra per side, or border extra per strip end: 4 in; Usable fabric width (selvage to selvage, after any shrinkage): 42 in; Seam allowance: 0.5 in; Finished border width (borders): 4 in; Piece width (pieces): 10 in; Piece length (pieces): 10 in; Number of pieces (pieces): 20 pieces; Pattern repeat length (0 = none): 0 in; What are you cutting?: backing; Border sides (borders): 4; Round purchase up to: 0.125.
Example result: Yards to buy: 3.875 yd; Exact fabric length: 136 in (3.778 yd); Layout: 2 panels, seams run crosswise; Cut size: Backing 68 × 80 in; each panel 68 in long; Seams or joins: 1 seam(s).
90 × 100 in quilt on 108 in wide backing: Quilt (or quilt top) width: 90 in; Quilt (or quilt top) length: 100 in; Backing extra per side, or border extra per strip end: 4 in; Usable fabric width (selvage to selvage, after any shrinkage): 108 in; Seam allowance: 0.5 in; Finished border width (borders): 4 in; Piece width (pieces): 10 in; Piece length (pieces): 10 in; Number of pieces (pieces): 20 pieces; Pattern repeat length (0 = none): 0 in; What are you cutting?: backing; Border sides (borders): 4; Round purchase up to: 0.125.
Example result: Yards to buy: 2.75 yd; Exact fabric length: 98 in (2.722 yd); Layout: 1 panel, no seam; Cut size: Backing 98 × 108 in; each panel 98 in long; Seams or joins: 0 seam(s).
Limitations and common mistakes
Estimates straight-grain rectangles only. It does not include prewash shrinkage (enter the width after shrinking), directional prints beyond the repeat length, mitred corners, binding, cutting errors or matching a print across seams. Quilt borders use butted corners: side borders first, then top and bottom across them.
Using the full bolt width including selvages. Trim selvages and allow for shrinkage, or the panels come up short.
Sources and assumptions
Method FABRIC-YARDAGE-1.0; last formula review 2026-11-04. Sources and their supported claims. Calculation methodology.