Quilt Binding & Backing Calculator
Calculate the exact yardage needed for quilt binding strips and backing fabric based on quilt dimensions.
Results
What is it?
Quilt binding covers the raw edges of the quilt sandwich (top + batting + backing). The total binding length required = quilt perimeter + 20 inches extra for corners and joining. Binding strips are cut across the fabric width (~40 usable inches from a 44-inch fabric after selvedges). Backing fabric must be larger than the quilt top on all sides for the basting process.
How to use
Enter your finished quilt length and width in inches, the cut width of your binding strips (2.5 inches is standard for double-fold binding), and the backing overhang on each side (4 inches is typical). The calculator outputs binding yardage, number of strips, and backing yardage.
Example scenario
Quilt 60x50 inches: perimeter = 220 inches, binding needed = 240 inches. At 40 usable inches per strip: 6 strips needed. 6 strips x 2.5 inches / 36 = 0.42 yards binding fabric. Backing at 4-inch overhang: 68x58 inches = 0.61 yards (assuming 44-inch wide fabric with a seam).
Pro tip
Always buy an extra 1/4 yard of binding fabric for safety and to account for angled joins. For backing fabric wider than 44 inches, you will need to piece together fabric strips — factor in seam allowances. Pre-wash all quilting fabrics before cutting to prevent shrinkage after the quilt is finished.