Calculator
Quilt Binding Calculator
How many yards of binding fabric for any quilt size. Quick reference table plus the step-by-step formula for custom sizes.
Binding Yardage by Quilt Size
| Quilt Size | Yards |
|---|---|
| Baby / Crib | ~0.5 yds |
| Throw / Lap | ~0.55 yds |
| Twin | ~0.6 yds |
| Full / Double | ~0.65 yds |
| Queen | ~0.75 yds |
| King | ~0.85 yds |
Assumes 2.5″-wide strips cut from 44″-wide fabric. Add 10% for safety.
The Binding Formula
- 1. Calculate the perimeter: Perimeter = (quilt width + quilt height) × 2. For a 90×108" queen quilt: (90 + 108) × 2 = 396".
- 2. Add tail allowance: Add 10" for joining the binding strip ends and for the starting/ending tails. Working perimeter = 396 + 10 = 406".
- 3. Count strips needed: Each strip of 2.5"-wide binding cut from 44"-wide fabric yields approximately 40" of usable length. Strips needed = ceil(406 ÷ 40) = 11 strips.
- 4. Calculate yardage: Total fabric width = strips × strip width = 11 × 2.5" = 27.5". Convert to yards: 27.5 ÷ 36 = 0.76 yards. Round up to 0.85 yards.
- 5. Add safety margin: Add 10% to account for miscuts and adjustments: 0.85 × 1.1 ≈ 0.9 yards. Buy 0.9 yards.
Binding Strip Widths
| Cut Width | Finished Width | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2" | ~1/4" | Narrow, delicate look; less durable |
| 2.5" | ~3/8" | Standard double-fold; most common |
| 3" | ~1/2" | Wide binding; prominent finish; heavier quilts |
| Bias-cut 2.5" | ~3/8" | Curved edges, scalloped borders, durable finish |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many yards of binding for a queen quilt?
A queen quilt (90×108") needs approximately 0.75–0.85 yards of binding fabric. This gives you 10–11 strips of 2.5"-wide binding, enough to go around the 396" perimeter with a comfortable margin for joins and starting/ending tails.
How wide should I cut binding strips?
The standard for double-fold binding is 2.5"-wide strips. This produces a binding that is approximately 3/8" wide on the front and back of the finished quilt. For a wider binding (1/2"), cut strips 3" wide. For narrow binding (1/4"), cut strips 2" wide.
How do I calculate binding yardage for a non-standard quilt size?
Measure the quilt perimeter: (width + height) × 2. Add 10" for joining strips and starting/ending tails. Divide by 40 (the usable strip length from 44"-wide fabric) and round up to get the number of strips. Multiply strips × 2.5 (strip width), divide by 36 for yards. Add 10% safety margin.
What is the difference between straight-grain and bias binding?
Straight-grain binding is cut parallel or perpendicular to the fabric selvage. It is easier, uses less fabric, and works well for square-cornered quilts. Bias binding is cut at a 45° angle and has more stretch — it is ideal for curved edges like clamshell or scalloped borders, and for binding quilts that will see heavy wear since it distributes stress differently at fold points.
Can I use leftover strips from the quilt top for binding?
Yes. Many quilters use leftover strips from the quilt top to make a scrappy binding. Sew the strips end-to-end on the bias (45° angle joins), press the seams open, and press the whole strip in half lengthwise. The total length needed is the quilt perimeter plus 10".