Upholstery Fabric Calculator
Built by Johnny Alto · free, no sign-up · updated July 26, 2026
Get a working estimate of how much fabric to buy for a reupholstery project. Pick the furniture type, set how many you are covering, and add a pattern-matching allowance, and the calculator returns a yardage estimate based on standard trade figures so you can budget and buy with confidence.
Estimate0yards of fabric
These are standard trade estimates for 54-inch upholstery fabric and vary with the piece's size, arm style, and skirt or piping. Treat the number as a budgeting guide and confirm with your upholsterer or by measuring; it is far cheaper to buy a little extra from the same bolt and dye lot than to run short mid-project.
How much fabric to reupholster furniture?
Upholstery yardage is hard to derive from measurements alone because a piece has curved arms, insets, boxing, piping, and a skirt that all consume fabric. So the trade works from standard estimates by furniture type, refined by experience. This calculator uses those figures: roughly 6 yards for an armchair, 10 for a loveseat, and 14 for a three-seat sofa, based on 54-inch-wide upholstery fabric.
Those numbers are starting points. A big-armed or skirted sofa runs higher, a tight, streamlined one lower. Multiply by how many pieces you are covering, and treat the total as a budget rather than a promise.
Add for pattern matching
A patterned fabric needs extra so the design lines up across cushions, backs, and arms, and stripes or plaids need the most. That is why the calculator adds a percentage for pattern matching: about 15 percent for a medium repeat and 25 percent for a large repeat or stripe. Buy all your fabric at once from the same bolt and dye lot, because color can shift between runs and running short mid-project is the expensive mistake.
Recommended gear
Sewing and cutting gear
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need to reupholster a sofa?
A three-seat sofa takes about 14 yards of 54-inch upholstery fabric as a standard estimate, more for large arms, skirts, or a big pattern repeat.
How much fabric for a chair?
Roughly 6 yards for an armchair and 7 for a wingback; a full dining chair is about 2 yards and a seat-only cover under 1 yard.
Why does a patterned fabric need more?
Patterns must line up across cushions, backs, and arms, which wastes fabric. Add about 15 percent for a medium repeat and 25 percent for large repeats or stripes.
Are these estimates exact?
No, they are trade averages for budgeting. Actual yardage depends on the piece's size and style, so confirm with your upholsterer and buy from one bolt and dye lot.
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This calculator gives estimates for planning only; always confirm against your own measurements and species research. Some links are to our buying guides, which contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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