Binding Calculator 🎀
Calculate total binding length and fabric yardage for your quilt. Enter quilt size, binding strip width, and fabric WOF to get the exact number of strips and yardage needed.
How to Use the Binding Calculator
Enter your quilt's finished width and height (the final quilt size), the width of your binding strips (typically 2.25" to 2.5" for double-fold binding), and your fabric's width of fabric (WOF, usually 40-44").
The calculator adds 12" to the perimeter for joining strips and finishing the ends. The number of strips is based on cutting across the full WOF. Round up to the nearest whole strip.
For continuous bias binding, cut strips at a 45° angle — this takes more fabric but creates more flexible binding, especially useful on curved edges. This calculator is designed for straight-cut binding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide should quilt binding strips be?
Most quilters cut binding strips 2.25" to 2.5" wide for double-fold binding. A 2.25" strip creates a narrower binding; 2.5" creates a slightly wider binding. The choice depends on personal preference and the thickness of your quilt sandwich.
How do I calculate how much binding I need?
Add up the perimeter of your quilt (2 × width + 2 × height) and add 10-12" extra for joining strips and finishing corners. Divide by your fabric width (WOF, typically 40-44") to get the number of strips needed. QuiltMetric does all this automatically.
What is WOF in quilting?
WOF stands for Width of Fabric — the usable width from selvage to selvage after washing and removing the selvage edges. Most quilting cotton is 40-44" WOF. Always measure your specific fabric as widths vary.
Should I cut binding on the bias or straight grain?
Straight-grain binding is more economical and works well for most quilts. Bias binding (cut at 45°) is more flexible and is recommended for quilts with curved edges. For straight-edged quilts, straight-grain binding is the standard choice.