Quilt Calculators

Quilt Calculator: Backing, Batting, Binding & Borders

Enter your quilt top size once and get every finishing measurement: border strips, backing yardage, batting size and binding strips, with a backing layout diagram.

Units
in
in
Border widths (finished)
in
in
in
Leave a border empty to skip it. Border 1 is sewn on first.
More options
in
4 in for longarm quilting, 2–3 in if you quilt it yourself.
in

Everything you need

Enter your quilt size to see results.

How this quilt calculator works

Finishing a quilt takes four different calculations, and they depend on each other. Borders change the size of the quilt, and the finished size decides the backing, batting and binding. This planner does them in that order, so you only type your measurements once.

  1. Borders. Each border adds twice its finished width to the width and the length. Strips are cut 1/2" wider than the finished border for seam allowances.
  2. Backing. The backing is the finished quilt plus extra on every side (4" by default). The calculator compares a vertical seam, a horizontal seam, a diagonal seam and 108" wide backing, and picks the one that uses the least fabric.
  3. Batting. Same size as the backing. You'll see the smallest standard package that fits and the yardage from a roll.
  4. Binding. The perimeter of the finished quilt plus 12" for corners and joining, cut into strips across the fabric.

Example: a 60" × 72" quilt top

With no borders, 4" of extra backing on each side and 2 1/2" binding:

  • Backing: 68" × 80". Two panels with a horizontal seam need 136" of fabric, so buy 3 7/8 yards. A vertical seam would need 4 1/2 yards.
  • Batting: at least 68" × 80"; a twin package (72" × 90") fits.
  • Binding: 264" perimeter + 12" = 276", so cut 7 strips and buy 1/2 yard.

Before you buy fabric

  • Measure the quilt top through the middle, not along the edges, which stretch.
  • If you plan to prewash, buy a little extra: cotton can shrink a few percent.
  • Directional prints may force one backing layout even if another uses less fabric.
  • Ask your longarm quilter how much extra backing they need before you cut.

Frequently asked questions

How much bigger should the backing be than the quilt top?

Most longarm quilters ask for 4 inches extra on each side (8 inches in total on width and length). If you quilt it yourself on a home machine, 2 to 3 inches per side is usually enough. Always check with your longarm quilter.

What fabric width does the calculator assume?

42 inches usable width for standard 44/45 inch quilting cotton once the selvages are removed, 40 inches when cutting strips that get joined (binding and borders), and 106 inches usable for 108 inch wide backing. You can change these on each calculator.

Why are the results rounded up to the next 1/8 yard?

Fabric shops cut yardage in 1/8 yard (4 1/2 inch) steps, so the calculator rounds up to what you can actually buy.

Does the calculator allow for shrinkage?

No. If you prewash, cotton can shrink a few percent, so consider buying a little extra. It is also worth adding a few inches for straightening the cut edge.

Can I save or share my results?

Yes. Your measurements are stored in the page address, so you can bookmark it, use Copy link, or print the results to take to the fabric shop.

More quilt calculators

Backing calculatorCompares every seam layout and wide backing.Diagonal backingSave fabric with one diagonal seam.Binding calculatorStrips to cut and yardage, straight or bias.Batting calculatorBatting size, package and roll yardage.Border calculatorUp to three borders, butted or mitered.

Formulas last reviewed October 2026. How we calculate · Spotted a mistake? Tell us.