Crafting Calculations: Fabric, Yarn and Quilt Binding
Buy the right amount and avoid costly mistakes — how to work out fabric yardage, match knitting gauge, estimate yarn, and measure quilt binding for any project, with the pro's margins.
Fabric Yardage Calculator
Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device
Verified formula
Private
Fabric needed
3.47
For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.
How to use the Fabric Yardage Calculator
The Fabric Yardage Calculator works out your fabric needed in an instant. Enter total project area, fabric width and waste allowance and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.
- Enter the total project area.
- Enter the fabric width.
- Enter the waste allowance.
- Read off your fabric needed — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Formula
The Fabric Yardage Calculator uses the formula:
Fabric needed = Total project area ÷ Fabric width ÷ 36 × (1 + Waste allowance ÷ 100)
Worked example
For example, with total project area of 5,000 sq in, fabric width of 44 in and waste allowance of 1%, the fabric needed is 3.47.
| Total project area | 5,000 sq in |
|---|---|
| Fabric width | 44 in |
| Waste allowance | 1% |
| Fabric needed | 3.47 |
|---|
Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.
Key terms explained
- Area
- The amount of two-dimensional space a shape covers, measured in square units.
Frequently asked questions
Divide the project area by the fabric width and by 36, then add waste. 5,000 sq in on 44-inch fabric with 10% waste is about 3.5 yards.
Cutting around shapes, matching patterns and shrinkage all waste fabric, so 10–20% extra avoids running short.
Yes. Wider fabric covers more area per yard, so you need fewer yards. Common widths are 44 and 60 inches.
Often yes, to pre-shrink it. If you do not pre-wash, add extra for shrinkage in the finished item.
The Fabric Yardage Calculator uses the formula: Fabric needed = Total project area ÷ Fabric width ÷ 36 × (1 + Waste allowance ÷ 100). For example, with total project area of 5,000 sq in, fabric width of 44 in and waste allowance of 1%, the fabric needed is 3.47.
Enter the total project area. Enter the fabric width. Enter the waste allowance. Read off your fabric needed — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Related guides
Fabric Yardage Table: Fabric needed by Total project area
Reference table of fabric needed for Fabric Yardage across a range of total project area values — exact, engine-computed figures you can read off at a glance.
How to Calculate Fabric Yardage: Formula, Steps & Examples
Learn how to calculate Fabric Yardage — the formula explained step by step, with worked examples and a free calculator to check your answer.