Fabric Cost Calculator
Enter the yardage you need and the price per yard to calculate the total cost of fabric for your project.
Compare Two Fabrics
Enter the yardage and price for two different fabrics to see which is more cost-effective for your project.
How to Calculate Fabric Cost
Fabric cost is simple to calculate once you know the yardage your project requires. Use this formula:
Example: 5 yards × $12/yard = $60.00
If you need different fabric widths for different parts of your project, calculate each separately and add them together. Most fabric stores sell by the yard in ⅛-yard increments (0.125 yards).
Typical Fabric Costs by Type
Fabric prices vary widely by material, quality, and where you buy. Here are typical price ranges for common fabric types as of 2026:
| Fabric Type | Typical Price (per yard) | Common Width |
|---|---|---|
| Quilting Cotton | $8 – $15 | 44–45" |
| Home Decor (cotton/poly blend) | $12 – $25 | 54" |
| Upholstery Fabric | $15 – $40 | 54–60" |
| Designer / Premium Fabric | $30 – $100+ | 54–60" |
| Linen | $15 – $30 | 54–60" |
| Velvet | $20 – $50 | 54–60" |
| Polyester Lining | $3 – $7 | 45–54" |
| Canvas / Duck Cloth | $10 – $20 | 54–60" |
| Silk | $15 – $40 | 45–54" |
| Wool Coating | $20 – $50 | 54–60" |
Fabric Cost by Project
Here are typical total fabric costs for common projects, based on mid-range fabric prices ($12–15/yard on 54" fabric):
| Project | Yardage | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Throw pillow (18×18") | 0.5 – 0.75 yd | $6 – $12 |
| Curtain panel (84" drop) | 2.5 – 3 yd | $30 – $45 |
| Simple knee-length dress | 2 – 2.5 yd | $24 – $38 |
| Queen-size quilt top | 6.5 – 7 yd | $78 – $105 |
| Sofa upholstery (standard 3-seat) | 10 – 14 yd | $150 – $560 |
| Armchair upholstery | 5 – 7 yd | $75 – $280 |
| Tablecloth (48×72", 12" drop) | 2.5 – 3 yd | $30 – $45 |
Cost-Saving Tips for Buying Fabric
Buy Full Bolts
Most fabric stores offer a 10–15% discount when you buy an entire bolt (typically 10–15 yards). If your project uses a lot of one fabric, ask about bolt pricing. This is common for upholstery, drapery, and quilting backing fabrics.
Watch for Remnants
Remnant fabrics — leftover pieces from bolts — are often sold at 30–50% off. Remnants are typically 0.5–3 yards. Great for small projects like pillows, bags, and craft sewing. Ask at the cutting counter if there are remnants available.
Join Mailing Lists
Fabric retailers send regular coupons via email. A typical Joann, Fabric.com, or Mood Fabrics coupon offers 20–40% off a single cut or 15% off the entire purchase. Sign up before buying large quantities.
Pre-Wash All Fabric
Pre-washing fabric prevents post-project shrinkage. Pre-shrunk fabric may shrink 2–5% in the first wash, effectively giving you slightly less usable fabric. Buy 5–10% extra to account for shrinkage, or pre-wash before cutting.
Compare Price Per Yard, Not Total
A $15/yard fabric that needs 5 yards ($75 total) may actually be cheaper than a $10/yard fabric that needs 8 yards ($80 total) if the cheaper fabric requires more yardage due to narrower width or pattern matching. Always calculate total project cost.