Quilt Binding Calculator

The Quilt Binding Calculator tells you exactly how much binding and fabric you need to finish the edge of a quilt. Enter the width and height of your quilt, choose your binding strip width and your fabric width, and the tool works out the total binding length (with an allowance for the corners and the join), the number of strips to cut, the running fabric length, and the yardage to buy. It supports straight-grain and bias binding, double-fold (French) and single-fold binding, and both inches and centimeters.

How Quilt Binding Is Calculated

Binding wraps all the way around the outside edge of a quilt, so the length you need is based on the perimeter plus a little extra for the corners and the overlap where the two ends meet.

Here \(s\) is the small amount of fabric lost at each diagonal seam when two strips are joined end to end (about half an inch). Once you know how many strips to cut, the fabric you use down the bolt for straight-grain binding is simply the number of strips multiplied by the cut strip width.

How Much Binding for Common Quilt Sizes

These figures use a 2.5 inch strip cut from 42 inch wide fabric, with a 10 inch corner and overlap allowance. Use the calculator above for your exact measurements.

Choosing Your Binding Width

The cut width of your binding strip sets how prominent the finished edge looks. For double-fold (French) binding, the finished width is roughly (cut width ÷ 2 − seam allowance) ÷ 2, plus a little loft. A 2.5 inch strip finishes at about 3/8 inch on the front.

Straight-Grain vs Bias Binding

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your quilt size: Choose inches or centimeters, then enter the finished width and height of your quilt top.
2. Set your binding options: Enter the binding strip width and your usable fabric width, and pick double-fold or single-fold and straight grain or bias.
3. Click Calculate: The tool instantly computes the binding length, the number of strips, the running fabric length, and the yardage to buy.
4. Review your results: See a to-scale diagram of your quilt, your key numbers, a clear cutting list, and a full step-by-step breakdown.

Tips for Better Binding

• Always add a little extra. The 10–12 inch corner and overlap allowance keeps you from running short while mitering corners and joining the ends.
• Join strips with a diagonal seam. Diagonal (45°) joins spread the bulk so the seam disappears into the binding rather than forming a lump.
• Press carefully. For double-fold binding, press the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, before attaching it.
• Buy a touch more than you need. Fabric is cut in fixed increments, so rounding up to the next eighth of a yard (or 0.1 m) gives a comfortable margin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much binding do I need for a quilt?

You need binding equal to the perimeter of your quilt plus an allowance for the corners and the overlap where the binding ends join. The perimeter is 2 times the width plus the height. A common rule is to add about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) of extra binding so you have enough to miter the four corners and overlap the ends neatly.

What width should I cut my binding strips?

For standard double-fold (French) binding, most quilters cut strips 2.25 to 2.5 inches wide. A 2.5 inch cut strip gives a finished binding of about 3/8 inch on the front, which suits most quilts. Wider strips of 2.5 to 3 inches give a fuller, more prominent binding; narrower strips give a finer edge.

How many binding strips do I need?

Divide the total binding length by the usable width of your fabric, then round up. The calculator also subtracts the small amount lost at each diagonal join between strips, so the strip count is accurate. For example, a 60 by 80 inch quilt needs about 290 inches of binding, which is 7 strips from 42 inch wide fabric.

How much fabric do I need for quilt binding?

For straight-grain binding, multiply the number of strips by the cut strip width to get the fabric length you use down the bolt, then round up to a tidy amount such as the next eighth of a yard. A typical lap or twin quilt usually needs between a half and three quarters of a yard of binding fabric.

What is the difference between straight-grain and bias binding?

Straight-grain binding is cut across the width of fabric and is quick, economical, and ideal for quilts with straight edges. Bias binding is cut at a 45 degree angle, which lets it stretch and curve, so it is the better choice for quilts with curved or scalloped edges. Bias binding usually needs a little more fabric, cut from a square.

What is double-fold binding?

Double-fold binding, also called French binding, is folded in half lengthwise before it is sewn on, so two layers of fabric wrap the quilt edge. It is the most popular and durable binding because the doubled fabric resists wear along the edge of the quilt. Single-fold binding uses one layer and is better for items that will not be handled or washed often.

Additional Resources

• Quilting - Wikipedia
• Bias (textile) - Wikipedia