Input Measurements
Live Auto-Calculation
Output Summary
Verified Spec
Calculating...
Initial output value
Plates Required
4 Plates (25" × 25")
Boxing Band Strips
5" strip height
Piping / Welt Allowance
Included (~0.5 yd)
Total Cushion Count
2 Cushions
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How to Use the Cushion & Upholstery Fabric Calculator
- Select your desired options and garment / fabric specifications from the input fields above.
- Enter your measurements with high precision using the labeled unit selectors (inches, centimeters, or grams).
- Review the live calculation summary in the prominent result card to confirm fabric yardage, cuts, or conversions.
- Use the "Copy Specification" button to save your cutting specification to your tech pack or pattern notes.
Documented Textile Industry Formula
Box Cushion Yardage Formulas
- 1. Cushion Top & Bottom Plates: Cut dimensions = Length + 1 inch seam, Width + 1 inch seam
- 2. Boxing Band Strip Height = Foam Thickness + 1 inch seam
- 3. Boxing Perimeter Length = (Length + Width) × 2 + 2 inches seam
- 4. Welt / Piping: Continuous bias strips (1.5 inches wide) around perimeter × 2 plates
- 5. Total Yardage = Sum of cut plate cuts + continuous boxing strip yardage / 36
Worked Calculation Example
Real-World Scenario: Two 24" × 24" sofa box cushions with 4-inch deep foam using 54-inch fabric.
- • Each Cushion requires: 2 Plates (25" × 25") + Boxing Strip (5" × 98")
- • For 2 cushions: 4 Plates total. Two 25" plates fit across 54" fabric width in a 25" cut.
- • Plates Yardage: 2 cuts of 25" = 50 inches = 1.39 Yards
- • Boxing Yardage: 5-inch strips across 54" width = 0.5 Yards
- • Total Required = 1.39 + 0.5 = 1.89 Yards ➔ 2.0 Yards (with welt piping: 2.5 Yards)
You need approximately 2.25 to 2.5 yards of 54-inch upholstery fabric for two 24" box cushions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra fabric should I buy for cushion piping/cording?
Piping (welt cord) requires cutting 1.5-inch bias strips. For standard cushions, add 0.5 to 0.75 yards of extra fabric per cushion to cover the piping requirements.
Should cushion covers be cut the exact size of the foam?
Cut your fabric plates with standard 0.5-inch seam allowances on all sides. When sewn, the finished cover should be 0.5" to 1" smaller than the foam insert so the cushion fills out plump and wrinkle-free.
What is the best fabric width for upholstery cushions?
54 inches is the universal industry standard for upholstery and drapery fabric. Most standard 24" × 24" sofa plates fit two across a 54-inch roll.