Inputs
Formula used
How to use this calculator
- Measure your tabletop length end-to-end.
- Pick an overhang per end for your outdoor setup.
- Enter hem allowances for clean stitched ends.
- Add shrinkage if you plan to wash fabric first.
- Include a safety extra for trimming and alignment.
- Press Calculate to see cut length and totals.
- Export your inputs and results as CSV or PDF.
Example data table
| Scenario | Table | Overhang | End hem | Shrink | Safety | Cut length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potting bench runner | 60 in | 8 in | 1.5 in | 3% | 1 in | ~81.49 in |
| Garden party table | 180 cm | 20 cm | 4 cm | 2% | 3 cm | ~239.16 cm |
| Centerpiece only | 72 in | 0 in | 1.5 in | 0% | 1 in | ~76.00 in |
Measuring tables in garden spaces
Accurate tabletop length is the base input for a runner plan. Measure the usable surface between end edges, excluding lips that do not support items. For potting benches, measure only the section where trays and tools sit. Record the value in one unit system to avoid rounding drift. If the table has rounded ends, measure the longest centerline and treat corners as part of the overhang choice.
Choosing overhang for function and safety
Overhang influences appearance and movement around seating. A modest overhang keeps fabric clear of wet knees, boots, and stools, while still framing centerpieces. Full-drop designs provide more coverage but may catch on chair backs, irrigation hoses, or tool handles. Use the style selector as guidance, then set an overhang per end that matches traffic patterns and wind exposure.
Hem allowances and clean finishing
The calculator converts a finished length into a cut length by adding end hems, then applying shrinkage and a safety buffer. End hem allowance should match your finishing method: double-fold hems need more fabric than a stitch-and-turn. When joining panels, increase the safety extra to cover alignment and seam trimming. Side hems do not change length, yet tracking them supports trim estimates and consistent edge durability outdoors.
Accounting for shrinkage, moisture, and laundering
Outdoor textiles can change after washing, sun exposure, and humidity swings. A shrinkage percentage helps prevent a runner that becomes short after the first clean. If you prewash fabric, shrinkage may be near zero; if not, use a conservative value. The tool multiplies pre-shrink cut length by the shrinkage rate, keeping the math transparent for quotes and records.
Batch cutting, cost planning, and documentation
For events or multiple benches, quantity totals reduce mistakes and make purchasing smoother. Enter a price per yard or per meter to estimate spend and compare materials. Exporting results to CSV supports quotes; PDF exports work for reference. Keep measurements and assumptions together so replacements match the original runner dimensions and use.
FAQs
1) What overhang works for a potting bench?
For a potting bench, 0–6 in (0–15 cm) per end is common. Choose less if you stand close while working, and more if you want visual framing for plants and tools.
2) How do I choose hem allowance?
Match hem allowance to your finishing method. A double-fold hem usually needs more fabric than a simple stitch-and-turn. If you plan a decorative border or thick fabric, add extra so the hem lays flat.
3) What shrinkage percent should I enter?
Use 0% if you prewash and dry the fabric first. Otherwise, 2–5% is a practical range for many outdoor textiles. When unsure, choose a conservative value to avoid a short finished runner.
4) Can I estimate cost in yards or meters?
Yes. Enter a cost rate per yard or per meter, and the calculator converts your total cut length automatically. Use the unit option that matches how your fabric is sold locally.
5) Why does trim estimation need runner width?
Perimeter trim depends on both finished length and width. If you provide width and enable trim, the tool estimates trim length around the edge and adds 5% for overlaps and corner finishing.
6) Does side hem change the runner length?
Side hems affect width, not length. The calculator tracks side hems for planning and for optional perimeter trim estimates, while the cut length output focuses on end hems, shrinkage, and safety extra.