Free quilting calculators
Turn a collection of blocks into a planned layout. Work out how many blocks fit across and down, account for sashing and check the size of the grid before you start assembling.
This section includes dedicated tools for block layout, repeated rectangular pieces, quilt backing and quilt binding. Choose the one that matches your next decision.
Every calculator is free. No account or membership. We reserve space for advertising to help cover running costs. Voluntary support is welcome, never required.
Thoughtful planning.
One block at a time.Photo: Haberdoedas / Unsplash
Plan your blocks and pieces
Quilt block layout
Use finished block width and height, target dimensions and sashing to calculate a rectangular grid. Check the resulting dimensions after rounding.
Open Quilt Block Calculator →Fabric for rectangles
Estimate fabric length for repeated rectangular cut pieces. Enter cut dimensions that already include the required seam allowances.
Open Fabric Yardage Calculator →Quilt backing
Estimate the backing rectangle, panel count, seam direction and linear fabric needed for a pieced quilt back.
Open Quilt Backing Calculator →Quilt binding
Calculate binding length, width-of-fabric strips and the fabric needed for standard diagonal joins.
Open Quilt Binding Calculator →Keep finished and cut sizes separate
Plan the grid with finished sizes
The Quilt Block Calculator expects the dimensions each block contributes after its seams are sewn. It adds the finished sashing width between adjacent blocks.
Allow for borders separately
The block grid is not the entire quilt when you are adding borders. Subtract the total finished border contribution from your desired overall dimensions before calculating the central layout.
Plan cutting with cut sizes
The fabric estimator needs the actual rectangle you will cut, including its required allowances. Its same-orientation layout does not automatically produce a backing, binding or half-square-triangle cutting plan.
Quilting calculator questions
Should I enter a finished or unfinished block size?
Enter finished block dimensions in the Quilt Block Calculator. Use cut-piece dimensions in the Fabric Yardage Calculator. Keeping those two measurements separate avoids counting seam allowances in the finished grid.
Are borders included in the block layout?
No. Sashing is between adjacent blocks; borders around the outside are not automatically included. Plan the central grid after allowing for your chosen finished borders.
Are backing and binding calculators available here?
Yes. Use Quilt Backing for pieced backing panels and Quilt Binding for binding length, strip count and fabric requirements. Use the general fabric estimator only for repeated rectangular cut pieces.
Further reading: Brother’s quilt project example distinguishes finished size, seam allowances and width of fabric.