Pillow Yardage Calculator - Calculator Academy

Calculate fabric yardage or trim needed for pillow covers from finished size, bolt width, overlap, and quantity in inches or cm for sewing.

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Pillow Yardage Formula

The calculator has two modes: fabric yardage for pillow fronts and backs, and trim or piping yardage for the pillow edge. All measurements are converted to inches before the formulas are applied.

Fabric yardage formula

CW = W + 2S CH = H + 2S P = 2Q PR = floor(B / CW) R = ceil(P / PR) Y_raw = (R * CH) / 36 Y = ceil(Y_raw * 8) / 8

W = finished pillow width, in inches
H = finished pillow height, in inches
S = seam allowance per side, set to 1 inch
CW = cut width of each fabric piece
CH = cut height of each fabric piece
Q = number of pillows
P = total fabric pieces needed, using 2 pieces per pillow
B = fabric bolt width, in inches
PR = number of pieces that fit across the bolt width
R = number of fabric rows needed
Y_raw = unrounded fabric yardage
Y = yardage rounded up to the nearest 1/8 yard

In fabric mode, the calculator adds a 1 inch seam allowance to each side of the pillow width and height, counts one front and one back piece for each pillow, then lays those pieces across the selected bolt width. The required length is converted from inches to yards and rounded up to the nearest 1/8 yard.

Trim and piping formula

T_raw = ((2 * (W + H) + E) * Q) / 36 T = ceil(T_raw * 8) / 8

W = finished pillow width, in inches
H = finished pillow height, in inches
E = extra length for joining or overlap, in inches
Q = number of pillows
T_raw = unrounded trim yardage
T = trim yardage rounded up to the nearest 1/8 yard

In trim mode, the calculator finds the perimeter of one pillow, adds the extra joining length, multiplies by the number of pillows, then converts the result to yards.

Common Pillow Sizes and Fabric Buying Notes

These values are general references. Pattern matching, directional prints, thick fabrics, zipper plackets, flanges, and envelope backs can require more fabric than a simple two-piece pillow cover.

Finished pillow size	Common use	Typical form size
12 in × 12 in	Small accent pillow	12 in or 13 in form
16 in × 16 in	Chair or small sofa pillow	16 in or 18 in form
18 in × 18 in	Standard throw pillow	18 in or 20 in form
20 in × 20 in	Large sofa pillow	20 in or 22 in form
12 in × 20 in	Lumbar pillow	12 in × 20 in form

Fabric width	Often used for	Buying note
45 in	Quilting cotton, craft fabric	Fits fewer pillow pieces across the width, so yardage may be higher.
54 in	Standard décor fabric	Common for throw pillows, upholstery, and home décor projects.
60 in	Wide home décor fabric	May reduce yardage when more pieces fit across the bolt.
108 in	Extra-wide fabric	Useful for large quantities, but not always available in décor prints.

Pillow Yardage Examples

Example 1: Fabric for one 18 in square pillow

For one 18 in × 18 in pillow on 54 inch wide fabric:

Cut size per piece: 18 + 2 = 20 in by 20 in
Pieces needed: 2 × 1 = 2 pieces
Pieces across 54 inch fabric: floor(54 / 20) = 2
Rows needed: ceil(2 / 2) = 1
Fabric length: 1 × 20 = 20 in
Yardage: 20 / 36 = 0.556 yd, rounded up to 5/8 yd

Example 2: Trim for two 20 in square pillows

For two 20 in × 20 in pillows with 2 inches extra per pillow for joining:

Trim per pillow: 2 × (20 + 20) + 2 = 82 in
Total trim: 82 × 2 = 164 in
Yardage: 164 / 36 = 4.556 yd, rounded up to 4 5/8 yd of trim

Pillow Yardage Calculator FAQ

Does the fabric yardage include seam allowance?

Yes. The fabric calculation adds a 1 inch seam allowance to each side of the finished pillow size. That means the cut piece is 2 inches wider and 2 inches taller than the finished pillow. If your pattern uses a different seam allowance, add or subtract that difference from your finished dimensions before calculating.

Does this work for envelope pillow covers?

The fabric mode is based on two full-size pieces, one front and one back. An envelope pillow back usually needs extra overlap on the back pieces, so you may need more fabric than the result shown. For an envelope back, calculate the front and back panel sizes from your pattern, then compare the total cut layout to the calculator result.

Should you buy extra fabric for patterned material?

Yes, if the fabric has a large repeat, stripes, plaid, nap, or a directional print. The calculator estimates the efficient cut length for plain fabric. Pattern matching can add one or more repeat lengths, especially when you want several pillows to look the same.