Yard fractions in inches and centimeters
US fabric shops cut by the yard and usually sell down to ⅛ yard. This is what each fraction measures along the selvage.
| Cut | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| ⅛ yard | 4 ½ in | 11.4 cm |
| ¼ yard | 9 in | 22.9 cm |
| ⅓ yard | 12 in | 30.5 cm |
| ⅜ yard | 13 ½ in | 34.3 cm |
| ½ yard | 18 in | 45.7 cm |
| ⅝ yard | 22 ½ in | 57.2 cm |
| ⅔ yard | 24 in | 61 cm |
| ¾ yard | 27 in | 68.6 cm |
| ⅞ yard | 31 ½ in | 80 cm |
| 1 yard | 36 in | 91.4 cm |
Fat quarters and precut sizes
A fat quarter is a half yard cut in half at the fold, so it is "fat" (about 18 × 21 inches) instead of a long 9-inch strip. Precut packs vary a little by maker; these are the usual sizes.
| Precut | Size | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Fat quarter (42 in fabric) | 18 × 21 in | 45.7 × 53.3 cm |
| Fat quarter (44 in fabric) | 18 × 22 in | 45.7 × 55.9 cm |
| Fat eighth | 9 × 21 in | 22.9 × 53.3 cm |
| Long quarter (¼ yard) | 9 × 42 in | 22.9 × 106.7 cm |
| Charm square | 5 × 5 in | 12.7 × 12.7 cm |
| Layer-cake square | 10 × 10 in | 25.4 × 25.4 cm |
| Jelly-roll strip | 2 ½ × 42 in | 6.4 × 106.7 cm |
| Mini charm | 2 ½ × 2 ½ in | 6.4 × 6.4 cm |
| Honey-bun strip | 1 ½ × 42 in | 3.8 × 106.7 cm |
A fat eighth is half a fat quarter. Most are 9 × 21 inches, but some are cut the other way, about 11 × 18 inches, so check the label before you plan around them.
Common fabric widths
The width printed on the bolt includes the selvages. Measure between them for the usable width, which is what the calculators ask for.
| Fabric | Width on the bolt |
|---|---|
| Quilting cotton | 42–45 in (107–114 cm) |
| Apparel wovens and knits | 44/45 in (112/114 cm) or 58/60 in (147/152 cm) |
| Home décor and upholstery | 54 in (137 cm) |
| Wide-back quilt backing | 90 or 108 in (229 or 274 cm) |
Which calculator do you need?
Use the fabric yardage calculator for anything cut from rectangles: quilt pieces, napkins, curtains, bags. It also gives a cutting plan strip by strip. For embroidery, the cross stitch fabric calculator turns a pattern's stitch count into a finished size and the piece of Aida or linen to cut. For quilt backs, bindings and half-square triangles, see the quilting calculators.