Enter the pillow length, width, and extra allowance into the calculator to determine the linear trim/binding/piping yardage needed around a pillow (based on perimeter).

Pillow Yardage Calculator

Enter any 3 values to calculate the missing variable


Related Calculators

Pillow Trim Yardage Formula

Y = (2 * (L + W) + E) / 36

What is a Pillow Yardage?

In this calculator, pillow yardage means the linear yardage of trim (such as piping, ruffle, binding, or cording) needed to go around the edge of a pillow. It is based on the pillow’s perimeter, plus an extra allowance for joining the ends, turning corners, pattern matching, or other finishing needs. The result is commonly expressed in yards (1 yard = 36 inches).

Note: If you are trying to estimate the amount of fabric needed to sew a pillow cover (front and back panels), you also need the fabric width and cutting layout. That is a different calculation than the perimeter-based trim yardage shown here.

How to Calculate Pillow Yardage?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Pillow Yardage.


  1. First, determine the finished length of the pillow (L) in inches.
  2. Next, determine the finished width of the pillow (W) in inches.
  3. Next, determine the extra allowance (E) in inches (for joining ends, corners, and finishing).
  4. Next, use the formula Y = (2 * (L + W) + E) / 36 to calculate the trim length needed in yards.
  5. Finally, calculate the Pillow Yardage.
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Length of the pillow (L) in inches = 10

Width of the pillow (W) in inches = 8

Extra allowance (E) in inches = 2