Calculate Cushion Yardage
Select a standard cushion size or enter custom dimensions. For cushions with a boxing strip (side panel), check the box below.
How to Calculate Cushion Fabric Yardage
Calculating fabric for a cushion involves three components: the top piece, the bottom piece, and (optionally) the boxing strip that wraps around the sides. The wider the fabric, the fewer rows you need.
Piece size = (Length + seam x 2) x (Width + seam x 2) — cut 2 per cushion (top + bottom)
With boxing strip:
Top/Bottom = (Length + seam x 2) x (Width + seam x 2) — cut 2 per cushion
Boxing strip = (Length x 2 + Width x 2 + seam allowance) x Depth — cut 1 per cushion
Total rows = Total inches needed / Fabric width (rounded up)
Yardage = Rows x piece length / 36
Cushion Yardage Chart by Type
Estimated yardage for common cushion types using 54" decor fabric with 0.5" seam allowance and 4" depth (where boxing applies).
| Cushion Type | Dimensions | Boxing Strip | Yardage (1 cushion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair Pad | 16x18" | No | 1/2 yard |
| Chair Pad | 16x18" | Yes (4") | 3/4 yard |
| Dining Bench | 48x18" | No | 1 yard |
| Dining Bench | 48x18" | Yes (4") | 1 1/4 yards |
| Window Seat | 72x20" | No | 1 1/2 yards |
| Window Seat | 72x20" | Yes (4") | 2 yards |
| Outdoor Chaise | 72x24" | Yes (5") | 2 1/4 yards |
| Boat Seat | 18x18" | Yes (3") | 7/8 yard |
With vs Without Boxing Strip
Without a boxing strip, the top and bottom pieces are sewn directly together — ideal for flat, thin seat pads like basic chair pads or lightweight cushions. The yardage is simply two identical rectangles per cushion.
With a boxing strip, a separate side panel wraps around the cushion's thickness. This adds a rectangular strip around the perimeter: (Length + Width) x 2, plus seam allowance, multiplied by the cushion depth. Boxing strips give cushions a professional, finished look and accommodate thicker foam padding for comfort. For deep cushions (4" or more), the boxing strip can require as much fabric as the top piece itself.
As a rule of thumb, adding a 4" boxing strip increases fabric needs by 30–50% compared to a flat cushion of the same size.