Piece Count Calculator

Know before you cut

For rectangular pieces, rotation matters. Swapping width and height changes how pieces tile across the fabric, and one orientation often yields more than the other. The calculator checks both and shows you the better layout. This is especially worth checking with fat quarters, where the 18" x 22" shape favors certain piece dimensions.

Fat quarters and yardage give different yields for the same total area because the shape is different. An FQ is wider and shorter than a regular quarter yard (9" x 42"), so larger pieces often fit better from an FQ. Smaller pieces may tile more efficiently from yardage. Check both if you have the option.

These counts assume squared fabric and precise cuts. In reality, you lose a bit squaring up edges, and fabric isn't always on-grain. If you need an exact count, build in a buffer — one extra FQ or a quarter yard beyond what the math says. One fussy-cutting mistake shouldn't derail the whole project.