Upholstery Fabric Yardage Calculator

Calculator Inputs

Fabric width (in)

Common upholstery widths: 54 in or 60 in.

Vertical pattern repeat (in)

Set 0 for solids or non-matching prints.

Pattern matching

Half-drop uses a larger effective repeat.

Seam allowance per edge (in)

Added to all cut edges (width and length).

Waste factor (%)

Typical range: 8–15% depending on complexity.

Directional nap / pile?

Directional fabrics reduce layout flexibility.

Price per yard (optional)

Adds cost estimate to the results.

Seat Cushions

Top and bottom panels are included. Add boxing as a custom piece if needed.

Seat cushion quantity

Seat cushion width (in)

Seat cushion depth (in)

Back Cushions

Front and back panels are included.

Back cushion quantity

Back cushion width (in)

Back cushion height (in)

Arm Panels

Inside and outside panels are included.

Arm count

Arm panel width (in)

Arm panel height (in)

Deck / Seat Base Panels

Use for bench tops, seat platforms, or fixed bases.

Deck panel quantity

Deck width (in)

Deck depth (in)

Skirt Strips

Add one strip per side or section. For pleats, increase waste.

Skirt strip quantity

Each strip length (in)

Skirt drop (in)

Custom Piece

Add boxing strips, welt sections, or any extra panels.

Custom name

Custom quantity

Custom width (in)

Custom length (in)

Tip: If your fabric has strong directionality, keep waste ≥ 12%.

Example Data Table

Project	Fabric Width (in)	Repeat (in)	Waste (%)	Estimated Yardage (yd)
Patio chair set (2 seats, 2 backs)	54	0	10	6.25
Bench cushion (1 seat, boxed as custom)	60	8	12	4.50
Sofa refresh (3 seats, 3 backs, 2 arms)	54	12	15	17.00

These examples are illustrative and vary by pattern and construction details.

Formula Used

Cut size with seam allowance: cut_width = piece_width + 2 × seam_allowance, and cut_length = piece_length + 2 × seam_allowance.
Pieces per strip: fit_across = floor(fabric_width ÷ cut_width), minimum 1.
Strips needed: strips = ceil(quantity ÷ fit_across).
Repeat adjustment: adjusted_length = ceil(cut_length ÷ repeat) × repeat (repeat = 0 keeps length unchanged).
Total length: total_inches = Σ(strips × adjusted_length).
Final yardage: yards = (total_inches × (1 + waste%/100)) ÷ 36, rounded up to 1/8 yard.

How to Use This Calculator

Measure each cushion or panel in inches.
Enter fabric width and any vertical pattern repeat.
Choose a matching style if you will align motifs.
Set seam allowance and a waste factor for your skill level.
Add special needs (boxing, welt, skirts) as custom pieces.
Click calculate, then export your breakdown if needed.

Gardening note: Use this tool for outdoor cushions, patio benches, and covered seating projects.