How do I measure sleeve length?

With your arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder point (top of arm where the shoulder bone ends) over the elbow to the wrist bone. For set-in sleeves, this is the measurement used.

What is cap height and how is it worked out?

The sleeve cap is the curved top section that fits into the armhole (armscye). Its height comes from the armhole depth, not from how long the sleeve is — a fitted set-in cap is roughly the same on a long or short sleeve for the same body. A common drafting rule is cap height ≈ half the armhole depth plus about 2 cm of cap ease, which lands a fitted woven cap around 8-10 cm. A taller cap gives a tailored look; a lower cap (or none) gives a casual, dropped-shoulder fit.

How long is a three-quarter sleeve?

A three-quarter (3/4) sleeve ends approximately halfway between the elbow and wrist, which is about 75% of the full sleeve length from shoulder to wrist.

SewCalcs

Sleeve Length Calculator — Correct Sleeve Measurements

Calculate the correct sleeve length based on your arm measurements and desired sleeve style.

Shoulder to Wrist

Full arm length, shoulder point over a bent elbow to the wrist bone

Shoulder to Elbow

Shoulder point to elbow crease

Sleeve StyleChoose the finished sleeve length

How We Calculate This

Sleeve length is taken from your arm measurements: long and three-quarter styles work from shoulder-to-wrist, while elbow, short and cap styles work from shoulder-to-elbow. The cap height is worked out separately from the armhole, because the cap fits the armscye, not the length of the sleeve.

Sleeve length (approximate styling defaults)

Long: 100% of shoulder-to-wrist
Three-quarter: 75% of shoulder-to-wrist
Elbow: shoulder-to-elbow measurement
Short: 65% of shoulder-to-elbow (≈ mid-bicep)
Cap: 35% of shoulder-to-elbow (just covers the shoulder)

Cap height

If you enter an armhole depth, cap height ≈ half the armhole depth + 2 cm cap ease (fitted woven set-in sleeve). Otherwise a typical fitted cap of about 9 cm is shown (lower for cap sleeves). It does not scale with sleeve length.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before cutting or purchasing fabric.