Craft Calculators

QuiltingNo. 302

Updated October 2026

Quilt Binding Calculator

Find how many binding strips to cut and how much fabric to buy. Enter the finished quilt size and your strip width.

Finished quilt
in
in
Common sizes:
Binding strips
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in
Advanced
in

10 to 12 in covers mitred corners and the final join.

How to work out quilt binding

Binding wraps every edge of the quilt, so its length is the perimeter plus a little extra for the corners and for joining the two ends. The strips are cut across the width of the fabric and sewn into one long piece.

Binding length = 2 × (width + length) + 12 in Per strip = fabric width − one strip width for a diagonal join Strips to cut = binding length ÷ per strip, rounded up Fabric = strips × strip width, rounded up to 1/8 yd

Binding for common quilt sizes

Strips cut across 42 in of usable fabric, diagonal joins and 12 in of extra.

QuiltBindingStrips2 1/4 in strips2 1/2 in strips
Baby 36 × 52 in188 in53/8 yd3/8 yd
Throw 60 × 70 in272 in71/2 yd1/2 yd
Twin 70 × 90 in332 in95/8 yd5/8 yd
Queen 90 × 108 in408 in113/4 yd7/8 yd
King 108 × 108 in444 in123/4 yd7/8 yd

Cutting and joining tips

  • Trim the selvages before joining so the seams lie flat.
  • Press the joining seams open and then press the binding in half lengthwise for double-fold binding.
  • Measure the finished quilt after quilting and trimming, because quilting draws it in a little.
  • Buy a little extra if the binding fabric is directional or if you plan to cut on the bias.

Questions

How much binding do I need for a quilt?

Add up all four sides of the quilt and add 10 to 12 inches for the corners and for joining the ends. A 60 × 70 inch throw needs 260 inches plus 12, so 272 inches: seven strips of 2 1/2 inch binding cut across 42 inch fabric, which is 1/2 yard.

How wide should binding strips be?

For double-fold binding, 2 1/4 and 2 1/2 inches are the most common. 2 1/4 inch strips give a narrower, snug binding. 2 1/2 inch strips are a little fuller and suit thicker batting.

How many binding strips do I need for a queen quilt?

A 90 × 108 inch quilt needs about 408 inches of binding, which is 11 strips cut across 42 inch fabric. At 2 1/2 inches wide that is 7/8 yard, and at 2 1/4 inches it is 3/4 yard.

Why join binding strips on the diagonal?

A diagonal seam spreads the bulk of the seam allowance along the binding, so the join doesn't make a lump when the binding is folded. Each diagonal join uses about one strip width of length, which the calculator allows for.

Do I need bias binding?

Only for curved or scalloped edges, where the binding has to stretch around the curve. For straight edges, strips cut across the width of the fabric work well and use less fabric.

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