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Quilt binding yardage

Calculate binding length and fabric from the finished quilt edge.

Measurements

Editable example inputs. Adjust them for your project.

Straight-grain WOF strips. Measure the final trimmed quilt edge. For a bias square use Continuous bias square.

Optional bolt label only. Enter measured usable width separately; no width is filled or deducted automatically.

Enter total extra length for strip joins, corners and closing; not per seam. The listed amounts are alternative examples, not amounts to add together or universal guarantees. Confirm the assembled binding covers your quilt; zero adds no reserve.

Input guidance and units

Enter inches unless a field says otherwise. The result keeps the theoretical quantity separate from purchase rounding.

Enter fractional inches as decimals: 1/8 = 0.125, 1/4 = 0.25, 1/2 = 0.5. Dimensions and yard increments use steps of 0.125; counts use whole numbers. Fraction text such as 1/8 is not accepted in number fields.

What this calculator answers

This straight-grain WOF estimate turns the final trimmed perimeter into a whole-strip count. It does not model exact yield after joining every strip.

How to use it

  1. Measure the final trimmed quilt width and length.
  2. Enter cut strip width and usable WOF.
  3. Choose one total extra example or a custom value; do not add alternative examples.
  4. Set a purchase increment only if the seller uses one.

Formula and variables

Perimeter = 2 × (width + length). Target binding length = perimeter + selected total extra. Strip count = ceiling(target length ÷ usable WOF). Theoretical yards = strip count × cut strip width ÷ 36.

Final trimmed dimensionsin
The quilt edge that binding must cover.
Total extrain total
One chosen amount for joins, corners and closing.
Cut strip widthin
Fabric strip width before folding.

Independent example

60 × 72 in trimmed quilt, 20 in chosen total extra, 2.5 in cut strips and 40 in usable WOF.

Perimeter = 2 × (60 + 72) = 264 in. Target = 264 + 20 = 284 in. Ceiling(284 ÷ 40) = 8 strips. 8 × 2.5 ÷ 36 = 0.5556 yd; rounded up to 1/4 yd = 0.75 yd.

  • 284 in target binding length
  • 8 strips
  • 0.556 yd theoretical yardage
  • 0.75 yd recommended purchase

What the result means

The strip count is an estimate based on full usable WOF. Verify that the assembled binding reaches around the actual quilt edge before attaching.

Common questions

Does this include cutting waste?

Only the allowances named in the inputs are included. The calculation does not infer scrap reuse or an extra waste percentage.

Are the result and purchase amount the same?

Theoretical material required and a recommended purchase quantity are different. A purchase amount is shown only when the method supports it and its rounding choice is supplied.

Method notes and unresolved issues

Use measured usable dimensions and the construction method named on this page. Example inputs are optional and are not universal standards.

Continue with the method

Keep the next decision close to the calculation.

Continuous bias binding square Estimate a starting square for continuous bias binding, then check cutting reserve and fabric width. Quilt binding chart Compare cut-strip widths using a named straight-grain estimate. Quilting fractions and yardage Look up decimal inches and linear yardage conversions without changing a cut plan. How Much Binding Fabric Do You Need for a Quilt? Use the final trimmed quilt edge, strip width, usable WOF and one total extra to decide how much straight-grain binding fabric to buy.