Sewing & Quilting Fat Quarter Yield Calculator
Created by: Emma Collins
Last updated:
Estimate how many pieces you can cut from fat quarters before you buy or cut fabric. Compare yield, target requirements, and cutting efficiency for smarter quilt planning.
Fat Quarter Yield Calculator
SewingEstimate how many patchwork pieces you can cut from fat quarters
Piece Dimensions
Fat Quarter Inputs
Related Calculators
What is a Fat Quarter Yield Calculator?
A Fat Quarter Yield Calculator estimates how many pieces you can cut from one or more fat quarters. It helps quilters plan fabric bundles, avoid underbuying, and reduce waste when cutting patchwork units.
Enter your piece dimensions and number of fat quarters to get piece yield, total output, required fat quarters for a target count, and cutting efficiency.
Yield Formulas
Pieces Across: floor(Usable Width ÷ Piece Width)
Pieces Down: floor(Usable Length ÷ Piece Height)
Pieces per Fat Quarter: Pieces Across × Pieces Down
Total Pieces: Pieces per Fat Quarter × Number of Fat Quarters
Required Fat Quarters: ceil(Target Pieces ÷ Pieces per Fat Quarter)
Example Calculation
For 3.5 inch × 3.5 inch squares from a standard fat quarter with 0.5 inch margin:
- Usable area: 17.5 inches × 20.5 inches
- Across: floor(17.5 ÷ 3.5) = 5
- Down: floor(20.5 ÷ 3.5) = 5
- Yield: 25 pieces per fat quarter
- For 100 pieces, needed fat quarters: ceil(100 ÷ 25) = 4
Common Applications
- Bundle planning: Estimate patchwork output from fat quarter bundles
- Pattern prep: Check if stash fabric can meet piece requirements
- Scrap quilting: Balance colors by calculating equal piece yields
- Class kits: Pre-plan accurate cuts for group projects
Tips for Better Yield
- Use sharp rotary blades and square rulers to maximize accurate cuts
- Disable rotation for directional prints to maintain print orientation
- Add a safety margin if your fabric shrank after prewashing
- Cut test strips first when working with unusual piece dimensions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many squares can I cut from one fat quarter?
A standard fat quarter is about 18" × 21". The exact number of pieces depends on your cut size and whether you can rotate pieces. This calculator computes practical yield using full-piece cuts only.
What is the standard fat quarter size?
In quilting, a fat quarter is typically 18" × 21" (sometimes 18" × 22"). It is a quarter yard cut as a rectangle, giving more usable width for larger patchwork pieces.
Why does usable area matter?
Selvages, squaring, and cutting tolerance reduce fully usable dimensions. A small margin improves realism and helps avoid planning with pieces that are too tight to cut accurately.
Can I rotate pieces for better yield?
Yes. For rectangular pieces, allowing rotation can increase yield because the dimensions can be packed in either orientation. For directional prints, you may want rotation off.
Does this include seam allowances?
This calculator assumes your cut-piece dimensions already include seam allowances. If your pattern lists finished sizes, add seam allowances before entering cut size.
How many fat quarters do I need for a target piece count?
Enter your desired piece quantity and this tool will return the minimum fat quarters needed, based on per-fat-quarter yield.
Can I use this for fat eighths or half-yards?
This specific calculator is for fat quarters. For other cuts, use a fabric yardage calculator or manually enter equivalent dimensions.
Sources and References
- The Quilters Planner, Fabric Cut Standards, 2024
- Moda Fabrics Education Team, Working with Fat Quarters, 2024
- Quilting Daily, Patchwork Cutting Math and Yield, 2024