sewcalcs.uk
Fabric Yardage Calculator — How Much Fabric Do I Need?
Calculate fabric requirements based on your project dimensions, number of pieces, and fabric bolt width.
Adds 10% extra for trimming and straightening
How We Calculate This
This calculator determines how many of your pieces fit across the fabric width, then calculates how many rows you need along the length. First it turns each finished piece into a cut rectangle by adding the seam allowance to every edge (cut size = finished size + 2 × seam allowance), then it lays those rectangles out:
The formula
Pieces across width = floor(Fabric width ÷ Cut piece width)
Rows needed = ceil(Total pieces ÷ Pieces across)
Fabric length = (Rows × Cut piece length) × (1 + Wastage%)
The result is rounded up to the nearest 10cm, since fabric shops typically cut to the nearest 10cm. This gives you the minimum meterage to purchase from the bolt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Measure the finished length and width of each piece you need — the size after sewing, in centimetres. Do not add seam allowance yourself: the calculator adds it for you (1.5cm/⅝″ by default, editable under Advanced Options) to every edge, so your cut piece is finished size plus seam allowance on each side. Enter the number of pieces and your fabric bolt width, and it works out how many pieces fit across the width and how many rows you need down the length.
UK fabric shops typically stock 112cm (44″) for quilting cotton, 137cm (54″) or 150cm (60″) for dressmaking fabrics, and wider widths for furnishing fabrics. Check the bolt width before buying — it is printed on the fabric label or bolt end.
Wastage accounts for straightening the fabric ends (which are rarely cut perfectly square on the bolt), pattern matching, slight variations in piece layout, and small mistakes. 10% is standard; increase to 15% for directional prints or napped fabrics.
One metre equals approximately 1.094 yards, or roughly 39.37 inches. To convert metres to yards, multiply by 1.094. To convert yards to metres, multiply by 0.914. UK fabric shops sell by the metre.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before cutting or purchasing fabric.