📏 Quilt Backing Yardage Calculator
Enter your quilt top size, desired overhang, and your backing fabric's width to calculate the yardage needed — this accounts for piecing two fabric widths together when your quilt is wider than a single width of fabric.
Overhang first, then one panel or two
backing width = quilt width + (2 × overhang)
backing length = quilt length + (2 × overhang)
panels = 2 if backing width > fabric width, else 1
yardage = (backing length × panels) / 36The defaults - a 60 × 80 in top, 4 in overhang, 44 in fabric - need a 68 × 88 in backing. That is wider than 44, so two panels of 88 in are cut and 176 / 36 gives 4.89 yd. Two constants carry it: overhang is 4 in per side, so 8 in on each dimension, and fabric is 44 in straight off the bolt, selvages included.
Where two panels stop being enough
Selvages come off and the panels are seamed, so two 44 in widths give nearer 83 in than 88. The tool does not know that, and never counts past two:
| Quilt width | Backing needed | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 36 in | 44 in | tool says one width; trimmed, short |
| 60 in | 68 in | two widths, comfortable |
| 80 in | 88 in | two widths, about 5 in short |
| 90 in | 98 in | needs three; the tool still doubles |
Frequently asked questions
How much backing fabric do I need for a queen quilt?
A 90 × 108 in top with 4 in overhang needs a 98 × 116 in backing. The tool returns 6.44 yd on two panels, but 98 in will not come from two trimmed 44 in widths - buy for three, 9.67 yd, or use 108 in wide backing and take 3.22 yd.
How much backing overhang does a longarm quilter need?
The page assumes 4 in per side, and longarmers set their own minimum. Check before cutting: the figure is doubled, so 4 in to 6 in adds 4 in to both dimensions.
Do I trim the selvages off backing panels?
Quilters generally do. The selvage is woven more tightly and draws up along a seam, which is why the usable width of 44 in fabric is closer to 42.