SeeMyQuiltQuilt binding calculator
Enter the size of your quilt top. You get the number of strips to cut and the yardage to buy.
- 6 strips cut 2 1/2" wide, selvage to selvage
- 250" of binding, including 10" for corners and joining
Binding chart for standard quilt sizes
| Quilt | Size | Binding length | Strips | 2 1/4" strips | 2 1/2" strips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby | 36" × 48" | 178" | 5 | 3/8 yd | 3/8 yd |
| Crib | 45" × 60" | 220" | 6 | 3/8 yd | 1/2 yd |
| Lap | 48" × 60" | 226" | 6 | 3/8 yd | 1/2 yd |
| Throw | 60" × 72" | 274" | 7 | 1/2 yd | 1/2 yd |
| Twin | 72" × 96" | 346" | 9 | 5/8 yd | 5/8 yd |
| Full | 84" × 96" | 370" | 9 | 5/8 yd | 5/8 yd |
| Queen | 96" × 96" | 394" | 10 | 5/8 yd | 3/4 yd |
| King | 108" × 108" | 442" | 11 | 3/4 yd | 7/8 yd |
How it is calculated
Add the four sides of the quilt to get the perimeter, then add 10" for turning the corners and joining the ends. Divide by 42", the usable width of most quilting cotton, and round up. That is the number of strips. Multiply the strips by the strip width to get the length of fabric to buy.
For a 54" × 66" lap quilt: 2 × (54 + 66) + 10 = 250". 250 ÷ 42 = 5.95, so cut 6 strips. Six strips at 2 1/2" is 15", which rounds up to 1/2 yard.
2 1/2" is the most common width for double-fold binding. Use 2 1/4" for a narrower binding on thin batting, and 3" for thick batting.
Questions
How much binding do I need for a queen quilt?
A 96" × 96" quilt needs 394" of binding. Cut 10 strips, which takes 3/4 yd at 2 1/2" wide.
Why add 10 inches?
Mitred corners and the diagonal join at the end use up binding. Ten inches is a safe allowance for any quilt size.
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