Quilt Yardage Calculator
Build a simple square-block quilt plan, then see separate amounts for the top, backing, binding, and any sashing or borders you include. The finished size shown in the result matters, so check it before buying fabric.
Select Quilt Size
Combined planning total
11yards
60″ × 72″ finished
Buy each fabric using the separate quantities below.
- Throw Quilt: 60″ × 72″ finished.
- 5 × 6 = 30 blocks (12″ finished, 12.5″ cut).
- 4 fabric colours - 8 blocks per colour.
- 3 blocks fit across 44″ fabric width.
- 15% cutting overage is applied to every fabric line: top, sashing, borders, backing, and binding.
- Backing: 5.25 yards (2 widths, seamed).
- Binding: 0.75 yards (2.5″ double-fold, straight grain).
What the Calculator Is Actually Building
This is a planning model for quilts made from equal square blocks. It is not a substitute for a pattern's cutting list. The calculator turns your target size into a grid of whole blocks, which means the reported finished size can differ from the preset or custom target.
Whole-block grid
Without sashing, the grid rounds up to enough complete blocks. With sashing, it fits complete blocks and sash strips inside the target area before borders are added.
Equal colour split
The block count is divided evenly among the number of colours you enter. When the division is uneven, every colour is allowed the same rounded-up block count.
Cut rows on the bolt
Seam allowance is added to each side of a block. The model removes one inch from the entered fabric width for selvedges, fits blocks across that width, and rounds each colour up to a quarter yard after applying your overage setting.
Separate finishing fabrics
Sashing, borders, backing, and binding are calculated as separate lines. They are not taken from leftover block fabric or rearranged together on one cutting layout.
A Reproducible Example Using the Default Settings
Reset the calculator and leave it on Throw. The default target is 50 by 65 inches, with 12-inch finished blocks, four colours, 44-inch fabric, a quarter-inch seam allowance, and 15% overage. Binding, backing, and batting are on. Sashing and borders are off.
Grid: 5 blocks across by 6 blocks down, for 30 blocks
Reported finished top: 60 by 72 inches
Block cut size: 12.5 by 12.5 inches
Colour allocation: 8 blocks per colour, rounded up from 30 blocks divided among 4 colours
Top fabric: 1.25 yards per colour, or 5 yards across all four colours
Backing: 5.25 yards, modeled as two full widths with 4 inches added on every side
Binding: 0.75 yard for 2.5-inch straight-grain strips
Result: 11 yards in the fabric total, plus a 66 by 78 inch batting piece
The 15 percent overage applies to every fabric line above, not the top alone.
The 60 by 72 inch finish is the key check. If you must finish at exactly 50 by 65 inches, this whole-block setup is not the right cutting plan.
Quilt Size Reference Chart
This chart runs the same engine with each named size and the default 12-inch blocks, four colours, 44-inch fabric, quarter-inch seams, and 15 percent top-fabric overage. Binding, backing, and batting are on; sashing and borders are off. The finish column shows the whole-block size the model actually reports. For a longer explanation, see the quilt yardage chart guide.
| Size | Modeled finish | Top total | Backing | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Quilt | 36″ × 60″ | 4 yd | 4.5 yd | 0.5 yd |
| Throw Quilt | 60″ × 72″ | 5 yd | 5.25 yd | 0.75 yd |
| Twin Quilt | 72″ × 96″ | 7 yd | 6.75 yd | 0.75 yd |
| Full/Double Quilt | 84″ × 96″ | 8 yd | 10 yd | 0.75 yd |
| Queen Quilt | 96″ × 108″ | 10 yd | 11.25 yd | 1 yd |
| King Quilt | 108″ × 108″ | 12 yd | 11.25 yd | 1 yd |
How the Optional Parts Are Estimated
Sashing
The model places horizontal sash strips across the grid and short vertical strips between blocks. It adds seam allowance to the entered sash width, converts the combined strip area into running fabric, adds 10%, and rounds up to a quarter yard. It does not plan cornerstones or match a print across the strips.
Borders
Each selected border is treated as four strips around the reported finished size. The estimate uses the border width plus seam allowance, adds 10%, and rounds up to a quarter yard. Pieced borders, mitered corners, directional prints, and lengthwise-grain borders need their own cutting plan.
Backing and batting
Backing is based on the reported finished top, not the target size. The model adds 4 inches on every side and joins as many full fabric widths as needed after a one-inch selvedge deduction. Batting is reported 3 inches larger on every side. Check the margin requested by your quilting method or longarm service before ordering.
Binding
Binding uses the reported perimeter plus 12 inches for joins. It assumes 2.5-inch strips cut across the fabric width, straight grain, and a minimum half-yard purchase. Curves, wider binding, bias strips, or a different joining allowance need a separate calculation.
Beginner Checks Before You Cut
Compare the two sizes
Look at your target size and the calculator's finished size. Whole blocks can make the finished top larger, while a sashed grid can land below the target.
Check the real colour counts
The calculator gives every colour the same block allowance. If your design uses one fabric more heavily, count those blocks from the pattern and plan that fabric on its own.
Use the usable bolt width
Enter the full fabric width only if the model's one-inch selvedge deduction matches what you can use. Measure it yourself when the printed area is unusually narrow.
Let the pattern take priority
Triangles, curves, fussy cutting, paper piecing, directional prints, and uneven block mixes are outside this model. Use the pattern's piece list when it covers those details.
Frequently Asked Questions
To see the formulas and current limits, read the calculation methodology.
Related Quilting Guides
How Much Fabric for a Quilt?
A practical guide to top, backing, and binding
Quilt Yardage Chart
Reference ranges and their limits
Cotton Fabric Yardage Guide
Buying and measuring quilting cotton
Fabric Shrinkage Guide
Plan for washing before you cut
What Is Pattern Repeat?
Understand repeated and directional designs
Fabric Conversion Chart
Convert yards, meters, and cut lengths
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