# How much fabric at a different width?

A fabric calculator that converts the yardage a pattern asks for at one fabric width into the length you need at another width, rounded up to the next 1/8 yard or 0.1 m.

- Page: https://www.acalculator.org/everyday-life/fabric-calculator
- JSON spec: https://www.acalculator.org/everyday-life/fabric-calculator.json
- Version: ffa9ef6c94d8

## Default answer

Example with the default inputs (Pattern asks for 3 yd, Pattern fabric width 45 in, Your fabric width 60 in): At 60 in wide you need 2.25 yd: buy 2 1/4 yd (2.1 m).

## Inputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| len | Pattern asks for | The length of fabric the pattern lists for its fabric width. |
| from | Pattern fabric width | The fabric width the pattern’s length is for, often 45 in. |
| to | Your fabric width | The usable width of the fabric you will buy, often 54 in or 60 in. |
| extra | Extra allowance | An extra percent for shrinkage, a one-way print, or matching a pattern. Leave empty for none. |

## Outputs

| Key | Label | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| need | Fabric needed | Pattern length × pattern width ÷ your width, plus the allowance, before rounding. |
| buy | Buy | The length rounded up to the next 1/8 yard, and to the next 0.1 meter. |
| yards | Yards to buy | Rounded up to the next 1/8 yard. |
| meters | Meters to buy | Rounded up to the next 0.1 meter. |
| area | Fabric area | Pattern length × pattern width: the area both lengths cover. |

## Method

Length needed = pattern length × pattern fabric width ÷ your fabric width × (1 + allowance ÷ 100).

## Assumptions

- The same area of fabric works at the new width; a layout with large pieces may need more.
- Widths are usable widths, selvage to selvage.
- The length is rounded up to the next 1/8 yard (or 0.1 m), as fabric is usually cut.

## Worked examples

1. len = 2.7432, from = 1.143, to = 1.524 gives need = 2.0574, buy = 2 1/4 yd (2.1 m), yards = 2.25, meters = 2.1. Source: NIST Handbook 44 (2026), Appendix C, General Tables of Units of Measurement (1 yard = 36 inches; 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters exactly), https://www.nist.gov/document/2026-nist-handbook-44-appendix-c (retrieved 2026-10-03).
2. len = 1.8288, from = 1.524, to = 1.143, extra = 10% gives yards = 3, meters = 2.7, buy = 3 yd (2.7 m). Source: NIST Handbook 44 (2026), Appendix C, General Tables of Units of Measurement (1 yard = 36 inches; 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters exactly), https://www.nist.gov/document/2026-nist-handbook-44-appendix-c (retrieved 2026-10-03).
3. len = 1.5, from = 1.4, to = 1.1 gives need = 1.909091, meters = 2, buy = 2 1/8 yd (2.0 m). Source: NIST Handbook 44 (2026), Appendix C, General Tables of Units of Measurement (1 yard = 36 inches; 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters exactly), https://www.nist.gov/document/2026-nist-handbook-44-appendix-c (retrieved 2026-10-03).

## FAQ

### How do I convert fabric yardage to a different width?

Multiply the length the pattern asks for by the pattern’s fabric width, then divide by the width of your fabric. 3 yards of 45 in fabric is 3 × 45 ÷ 60 = 2.25 yards of 60 in fabric.

### Why does wider fabric need fewer yards?

Each yard of wider fabric holds more area. A yard of 60 in fabric is 60 × 36 = 2,160 square inches, a third more than the 1,620 square inches in a yard of 45 in fabric.

### Is the conversion always exact?

No. It keeps the area, but large pattern pieces may not fit side by side on a narrower fabric, and a one-way print or a nap can need more. Add an allowance, or lay the pieces out on paper at the new width, when in doubt.

### How much extra fabric should I buy?

Many sewers add about 10% for shrinkage when the fabric is washed first, and more for a large print you must match. Type it as the extra allowance.

### Why is the answer rounded up to 1/8 yard?

Shops in the US usually cut fabric in 1/8 yard steps, and in metric countries in 10 cm steps. Rounding up makes sure the cut covers the length you need.

### What width is my fabric?

Quilting cotton is usually sold as 44 in or 45 in (about 42 in usable after the selvages), apparel fabrics as 54 in or 60 in, and wide backing as 108 in. Use the usable width from selvage to selvage.

## Sources

- NIST Handbook 44 (2026), Appendix C, General Tables of Units of Measurement (1 yard = 36 inches; 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters exactly). https://www.nist.gov/document/2026-nist-handbook-44-appendix-c (retrieved 2026-10-03)