Block Layout Calculator
Zero Waste & No Sign-up: Plan your quilt layout with ease. Calculate total quilt size based on block count, sashing width, and border dimensions. Perfect for custom quilt designs.
How to Use the Block Layout Calculator
Enter your target quilt width and height, the finished block size, and an optional sashing width — set sashing to zero for blocks sewn edge to edge. The calculator finds the grid of whole blocks that lands closest to your target and reports rows, columns, the total block count, and the actual finished size.
Rather than always rounding down, the tool rounds to the nearest whole block in each direction independently: a 60 x 80 inch target with 8-inch blocks resolves to an 8 x 10 grid — eighty blocks finishing 64 x 80 inches, closer to intent than seven columns at 56 inches. With sashing, the formula counts one strip between each pair of blocks, so the finished width is columns times block size plus columns minus one sashing widths.
Because the grid snaps to whole blocks, the actual size usually misses the target by a few inches; compare the reported dimensions with your goal and plan borders to close the gap. The block count is the true cost of a design — if it is daunting, a larger block or wider sashing covers the same bed with far less piecing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard size for a Queen quilt?
A standard Queen quilt is approximately 90 x 108 inches. Our layout tool helps you adjust block and border sizes to hit these target dimensions exactly.
How does sashing affect quilt size?
Sashing adds width and length between every block. For example, 2-inch sashing in a 5x5 block grid adds 12 inches to both dimensions (6 strips of 2 inches).
Should borders be the same width on all sides?
Usually yes for a balanced look, but 'top and bottom' borders are often made wider on bed quilts to account for the pillow tuck and mattress drop.