Perimeter
Measure all four sides
Required working length = 2 × (finished width + finished length) + extra length.
Finish the edge
Quilt Binding Calculator
Calculate straight-grain double-fold binding strips, total working length and the fabric yardage to buy.
Calculate my binding ↓No sign-up. Browser-local calculation.
Your binding cut list
Cut enough strips before you start
Binding fabric to buy
—
Rounded upward to a practical purchase increment.
- Strips to cut
- —
- Cut strip width
- —
- Required working length
- —
- Quilt perimeter
- —
- Length after strip joins
- —
- Strip-join loss included
- —
Cutting plan
Strip sequence
This is a straight-grain estimate. Bias binding and scalloped edges use different geometry.
01
How binding yardage is calculated
We add the quilt perimeter and working allowance, then find enough strips after diagonal strip-join loss. Fabric depth is rounded up to the next ⅛ yard or 0.1 meter.
Strip joins
Allow for diagonal overlap
For N strips, available length = N × usable WOF − (N − 1) × cut strip width. Choose the smallest whole N that covers the required working length.
Purchase
Convert fabric depth to yardage
Multiply strip count by cut strip width, then divide by 36 for yards. The extra working length is separate from strip-join loss and provides room for corners and the final end join.
EX
How much binding for a queen quilt?
For an 86 × 94 in quilt, with 2½ in strips, 42 in usable WOF and 12 in extra working length: cut 10 strips and buy ¾ yd.
The perimeter is 360 in; adding 12 in makes 372 in required. Nine strips provide only 9 × 42 − 8 × 2.5 = 358 in after diagonal joins. Ten provide 397.5 in. Cut depth is 10 × 2.5 = 25 in, or 0.694 yd, rounded up to ¾ yd.
| Example quilt | Working length | Strips | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throw, 50 × 65 in | 242 in | 7 | ½ yd |
| Twin, 68 × 86 in | 320 in | 9 | ⅝ yd |
| Queen, 86 × 94 in | 372 in | 10 | ¾ yd |
| King, 104 × 94 in | 408 in | 11 | ⅞ yd |
Every row uses 2½ in strips, 42 in usable fabric width, 12 in extra and square-overlap diagonal strip joins. These quilt sizes are examples, not standards. Enter your own measurements if your WOF, strip width or finishing method differs.
The model deducts one strip width per intermediate diagonal join. It does not calculate bias binding, curved edges, shrinkage or pattern matching. For the sewing technique, see Jaybird Quilts’ illustrated binding basics. See also our formula and assumptions and the matching queen backing example.
Example arithmetic and diagonal-join calculation reviewed September 6, 2026.
02
Binding questions
Check the method before cutting every strip.
How much extra length should I add to quilt binding?
Twelve inches is a common working allowance for joining the ends and handling corners, though your method or pattern may call for more.
What strip width should I use for double-fold binding?
Many quilters start with 2.25- or 2.5-inch strips. Batting thickness, seam allowance and the desired finished look can change the cut width.
Does this calculator work for bias binding?
No. This version estimates straight-grain crosswise strips cut across the width of fabric. Bias binding needs a different layout and more fabric.