Fabric Calculator
Calculate how much fabric you need for your sewing project based on garment type, size, and fabric width.
Quick Answer
Most garments need 2-5 yards of 45"-wide fabric. A simple top needs ~2 yards, a dress 3-4 yards, pants 2.5-3 yards, and a coat 4-5 yards. Add 15% for directional prints and extra for larger sizes.
Main Fabric
1.5 yd
Total
1.5 yd
In Meters
1.5 m
About This Tool
The Fabric Calculator estimates yardage for common garment types based on your size and fabric width. Whether you're buying fabric online without a pattern or double-checking your pattern's requirements, this tool gives you a quick baseline.
How Fabric Width Affects Yardage
Pattern pieces need to fit within the fabric width when folded in half. Wider fabrics let you nest pieces more efficiently, so 60"-wide fabric uses about 15% less yardage than 45" fabric. Narrow 36" fabrics need about 20% more. Always check your pattern's layout diagram for the closest width match.
Pattern Matching and Directional Prints
Directional prints (one-way florals, stripes, plaids) and napped fabrics (velvet, corduroy) require all pieces to be cut in the same direction. This wastes more fabric between pieces, typically adding 10-15% to your total yardage. Large-scale prints may need even more for matching across seams.