Fabric Yardage Calculators for Every Project
Stop guessing at the fabric store. Enter your measurements and get the exact yardage you need — for curtains, quilt backing, upholstery, cushions, tablecloths and any rectangular sewing project. Works in inches or centimeters, handles pattern repeat, fabric width and seam allowances.
Why yardage math goes wrong
Almost every sewing forum thread about buying fabric ends the same way: someone bought exactly what the pattern said, then ran out because the fabric was 54 inches wide instead of 60, or the pattern repeat ate an extra half yard on every cut. Yardage is not just "area ÷ fabric width" — it depends on:
| Variable | Why it changes yardage |
|---|---|
| Fabric width | 45", 54", 60" and 110/118" bolts change how many cuts you get across the roll. |
| Pattern repeat | Each cut must be rounded up to a whole repeat so the pattern matches at the seams. |
| Fullness (curtains) | 2× vs 2.5× fullness on a 100" pole is the difference between 200" and 250" of fabric width. |
| Hems & seams | Double hems, headers and seam allowances add 6–16 inches to every cut length. |
| Railroaded fabric | Fabric printed "sideways" can run the length of the project with zero seams. |
Each calculator on this site handles these variables explicitly, and shows its work so you can sanity-check the result against your pattern or contractor's estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Are these calculators free?
Yes — every calculator is free, works instantly in your browser, and needs no sign-up. Nothing you enter leaves your device.
Do the calculators work in centimeters and meters?
Yes. Switch the unit toggle to metric, enter centimeters, and results are shown in both yards and meters so you can buy either way.
Should I buy extra fabric beyond the calculated yardage?
Most sewists add 5–10% for shrinkage and cutting errors, and one extra pattern repeat for matching. If your total is close to a standard cut increment, rounding up to the next quarter yard is cheap insurance against a dye-lot mismatch later.
What does "railroaded" fabric mean?
Railroaded fabric has its pattern or nap running along the length of the roll (parallel to the selvedge), so you can run one continuous piece down a curtain or a long cushion without vertical seams. If your fabric is railroaded and your project length is under the bolt width, you may need far less yardage than the calculator shows — check the bolt label.