Quilt binding calculator
A queen size quilt needs 10 strips of 2 1/2" binding, about 3/4 yard of fabric. Enter your quilt's measurements below for your exact strip count, yardage, and a cutting diagram, for straight grain or bias binding.
You will need
How much binding fabric do I need?
Binding wraps the entire outer edge of your quilt, so the math starts with the perimeter: width plus length, doubled. Add about 10 inches for turning the four corners and joining the two ends, and that is your total binding length. From there, divide by your fabric's usable width to find how many strips to cut, and multiply the strip count by your strip width to get the yardage.
Most quilters cut binding at 2 1/2 inches for a double fold binding with a quarter inch seam. If you like a tighter, flatter finish, 2 1/4 inches is a beloved alternative. The calculator handles any of the common widths.
Binding yardage for common quilt sizes
These figures use 2 1/2" strips cut from 42" fabric with a 10" joining allowance. For other strip widths or bias binding, run your numbers above.
| Quilt size | Typical dimensions | Binding length | Strips | Yardage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crib | 36" x 52" | 186" | 5 | 1/2 yard |
| Throw | 50" x 65" | 240" | 6 | 1/2 yard |
| Twin | 70" x 90" | 330" | 9 | 3/4 yard |
| Full | 84" x 90" | 358" | 9 | 3/4 yard |
| Queen | 90" x 95" | 380" | 10 | 3/4 yard |
| King | 110" x 95" | 420" | 11 | 1 yard |
Straight grain or bias binding?
Straight grain binding is cut selvage to selvage, is faster to make, and is perfect for quilts with straight edges, which is most quilts. Bias binding is cut at 45 degrees to the grain, so it stretches gently around curves and scallops, and because the fabric threads cross the quilt edge diagonally, it wears longer on quilts that will be loved hard. Bias takes more fabric and more patience; the calculator gives you the starting square size so there is no guessing.
Sources and methodology
Straight grain: strips = (perimeter + allowance) divided by usable fabric width, rounded up; yardage = strips x strip width / 36, rounded up to the next quarter yard. Bias: starting square = the square root of (binding length x strip width), rounded up, plus 2" for seams and squaring. Usable width assumes 2" lost to selvages. Formulas are cross-checked against published quilting references before every update.
Binding questions, answered
2 1/2 inches is the most common choice for double fold binding and forgives small wobbles in your seam allowance. 2 1/4 inches gives a flatter, snugger finish that many longtime quilters prefer. Whatever you choose, stay consistent across the whole quilt; mixed widths show.
Each mitered corner folds away a bit of length, and joining the two loose ends at the finish takes several inches of overlap. Ten extra inches covers all four corners and the join with a little breathing room. Running out of binding 8 inches from the finish line is a heartbreak we can prevent with arithmetic.
Lay two strips right sides together at a right angle and sew across the diagonal, then trim to a quarter inch and press open. Diagonal joins spread the seam bulk across the quilt edge instead of stacking it in one lump, which makes the binding turn and stitch down much more smoothly.
Only a little. You still need the same total binding length, but each extra join eats about half an inch of strip. If you are piecing your binding from many short scraps, add a few extra inches to the joining allowance and the calculator's total will hold.