Quilt Binding Calculator (How Many Strips and Yards)
On this page
Binding wraps the raw edges of the quilt. You need enough strips to go all the way around, plus a little extra for joining strips, turning corners and closing the ends.
How it works
- Binding length = the quilt's perimeter + extra = 2 × (width + length) + extra.
- Strips = binding length ÷ usable fabric width, rounded up to a whole strip. (Strips are cut across the fabric, from selvage to selvage.)
- Yardage = strips × strip width ÷ 36.
Example, a 60 × 80 in quilt: 2 × (60 + 80) + 10 = 290 in of binding. 290 ÷ 42 = 6.9, so 7 strips. 7 × 2.5 in = 17.5 in of fabric, or 17.5 ÷ 36 = 0.49 yd. Most shops sell in 1/8-yard steps, so buy ½ yd.
Quick table (2.5 in strips, 10 in extra, 42 in usable width)
| Quilt | Binding length | Strips | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 × 50 in | 190 in | 5 | 0.35 |
| 60 × 80 in | 290 in | 7 | 0.49 |
| 84 × 92 in | 362 in | 9 | 0.63 |
| 90 × 108 in | 406 in | 10 | 0.69 |
| 108 × 108 in | 442 in | 11 | 0.76 |
Things that change the answer
- Strip width. Wider strips use more fabric per strip but the same number of strips. Enter the width you cut.
- Usable width. If your fabric is narrower after trimming selvages or pre-washing, you may need an extra strip. Measure it.
- Bias binding. These numbers are for straight strips cut across the fabric. Bias strips are cut at an angle and need a different calculation.
Sources
- Computed with the formulas above. Defaults are common starting points, not standards; use your own measurements.