Crafts & Making

Fabric Calculator

Estimate fabric length for identical cut pieces from bolt width, pattern repeat and end trim.

Units

Your measurements

Results update as you type.

Example shown — use your own measurements.

The finished cut size, including seam and hem allowances.

Selvedge to selvedge, minus any unusable edge.

Extra options & cost (optional)

Each row drop is rounded up to a whole repeat. Leave at 0 for no repeat.

Extra length added once, for squaring up or hem allowance at the ends.

Fractions and number formats

Use decimals (12.5), fractions (12 1/2 or 12-1/2), or explicit lengths (12ft 6in, 12′ 6″, 25 mm). A comma followed by one or two digits is a decimal comma: 12,5 = 12.5. Grouped commas mean thousands: 1,200 = 1200. Use a decimal point for ambiguous values. Scientific notation is not accepted.

Enter your measurements

Results update as you type.

About this calculator

Enter the already-cut piece size (including seam and hem allowances), how many identical pieces you need, the usable bolt width and whether pieces may be rotated. The calculator works out the cutting layout and the fabric length to buy, rounding each row drop up to a whole pattern repeat when you enter one.

How to measure

  • Measure each rectangular cut piece, including the seam and hem allowances your pattern requires.
  • Measure the usable bolt width after excluding selvages, and enter the number of identical pieces.
  • Allow rotation only if grain, nap and pattern permit it; add pattern repeat and end trim explicitly.

How to use this calculator

  1. Measure one finished piece including seam and hem allowances.
  2. Count how many identical pieces you need.
  3. Measure the bolt's usable width — selvedge to selvedge.
  4. Allow rotation only if the fabric has no directional print or grain requirement.
  5. Calculate for the fabric length to buy.

Formula

Pieces per row = ⌊usable bolt width ÷ piece width⌋

Row drop = piece height, rounded up to a whole pattern repeat when a repeat is set

Rows = ⌈quantity ÷ pieces per row⌉; fabric length = rows × row drop + end trim

When rotation is allowed, both orientations are computed and the shorter length wins

Assumptions

  • All pieces are identical rectangles in straight rows — no mixed-orientation nesting.
  • Rotation is used only when you explicitly allow it.
  • Row drops round up to the pattern repeat so motifs stay aligned.
  • No shrinkage, flaws or bias-cutting allowance is included.

Common mistakes

  • Enabling rotation for directional print, nap or stretch.
  • Using labelled bolt width without removing unusable selvages.
  • Entering finished dimensions before adding required seams or matching allowances.

Worked example

Try it: press “Load example” above the form.

Ten 20 × 30 cm pieces on 100 cm cloth cut 5 per row: 2 rows × 30 cm = 60 cm of fabric.

Limitations

Identical rectangles only. Not a garment marker layout and no zero-waste claim; irregular pieces deserve a drawn cutting plan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rotate the pieces?

Only select rotation when the print, nap, stretch and grain allow it. A mathematical fit does not establish that the fabric orientation suits the project.

Does this include seams and pattern repeats?

Use cut dimensions with seam allowances and enter the repeat or trim where the form requests it. Pattern matching and irregular pieces may need a drawn cutting layout.

What does the worked example show?

Ten 20 × 30 cm pieces on 100 cm cloth cut 5 per row: 2 rows × 30 cm = 60 cm of fabric.

Which assumptions should I check before using the result?

Identical rectangles only. Not a garment marker layout and no zero-waste claim; irregular pieces deserve a drawn cutting plan.

Reviewed by Codex AI editorial agent (Editorial, 2026-11-12).

Sources

Sources explain the methods and any named product presets. Check your product label where coverage, yield or density differs.

  • Sailrite: fabric calculator

    Usable width and fabric layout context. Rug envelopes are the stated rectangle geometry, not a recommended clearance.

Calculation documentation · Updated 2026-11-08 · Version 1.6.4. Estimates are planning aids. Confirm quantities, coverage and prices with your supplier before purchasing. Found an error? Report it.

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