Quilt binding calculator

Plan a continuous binding length from straight fabric strips. Enter the finished quilt dimensions and the strip width your binding method requires.

Quilt Binding Calculator

Measurements

Binding plan

Edit measurementsAwaiting calculation

Enter your measurements

Calculate to draw your layout.

Browser-only draft. Export or print to keep a copy.

Start with the finished perimeter

Perimeter = 2 × (width + length). A 60 × 80-inch quilt has a 280-inch edge. Add the example 12-inch closing allowance for a 292-inch target. Strip width is measured before folding.

Count strips after joining loss

N strips of usable length F and width B yield N × F − (N − 1) × B joined inches. Each diagonal join consumes one strip width.

Seven 42-inch strips at 2½ inches wide yield 279 inches; eight yield 318½. Eight strips use 20 fabric inches, about 0.56 yard, rounded to ¾ yard.

Check what the cutting diagram represents

This models straight-grain strips with diagonal joins, not continuous bias binding or curved edges. Use prepared usable width; shrinkage and matching are separate.

Finish the rest of the material list

Finish border dimensions first. Calculate backing and batting separately, then print or download the checked record.

Last reviewed 2026-10-25.

Questions about this calculation

Is 2½-inch binding required?

No. It is an editable cut-strip width. Use the width required by your binding construction and desired finish.

Does this calculate bias binding?

No. It models equal-width straight strips cut across usable fabric width. The strips are joined diagonally, with one strip width deducted for each join.

Why not divide the perimeter by fabric width?

That ignores the extra finishing length and length consumed by joins. Both can increase the number of strips needed.