Fabric Width Chart: Standard Bolt Widths and Usable Widths
Quilting cotton is sold 42 to 45 inches wide with about 40 to 42 inches usable after trimming selvages. Garment fabrics and knits are often 58 to 60 inches wide, and wide quilt backing is 108 inches. One yard is 36 inches (91.44 cm) long no matter how wide the fabric is.
Fabric is sold by length, but width decides how much you actually get. The same yard can hold 1,512 square inches of quilting cotton or 3,816 square inches of wide backing.
What are the standard fabric widths?
| Width | cm | Usable width | Typical fabrics | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 in | 91 | n/a | Older or vintage cottons, Some interfacings, Some flannels and muslins | Less common today. |
| 42 to 45 in (quilting cotton) | 112 | 40 to 42 in | Quilting cotton, Broadcloth, Lawn, Voile, Batik | Selvages take 1 to 2 in; patterns assume about 40 to 42 in usable. WOF means width of fabric. |
| 54 in | 137 | n/a | Home decor, Upholstery, Drapery, Linen, Some wools | Common for decor-weight fabric. |
| 58 to 60 in | 150 | n/a | Knits and jersey, Fleece, Minky, Apparel wovens, Denim, Wool coating | Standard apparel width; fleece and knits usually come this wide. |
| 72 in | 183 | n/a | Craft felt, Tulle (also 108 in), Some fleece | Less common. |
| 90 in | 229 | n/a | Wide muslin, Sheeting, Batting by the yard | Useful for twin and full backings without seams. |
| 108 in (wide back) | 274 | n/a | Wide quilt backing, Sheeting | Backs most queen quilts without a seam. |
| 118 to 120 in (extra wide back) | 300 | n/a | Extra wide quilt backing, Sheeting | Backs king quilts without a seam. |
How much fabric area do you get per yard at each width?
| Length | 42 in usable | 58 in usable | 106 in usable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.25 yd | 378 | 522 | 954 |
| 0.5 yd | 756 | 1,044 | 1,908 |
| 1 yd | 1,512 | 2,088 | 3,816 |
| 2 yd | 3,024 | 4,176 | 7,632 |
| 3 yd | 4,536 | 6,264 | 11,448 |
How many inches and centimeters are in a fraction of a yard?
| Yards | Decimal | Inches | cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 0.125 | 4.5 | 11.43 |
| 1/6 | 0.1667 | 6 | 15.24 |
| 1/4 | 0.25 | 9 | 22.86 |
| 1/3 | 0.3333 | 12 | 30.48 |
| 3/8 | 0.375 | 13.5 | 34.29 |
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 18 | 45.72 |
| 5/8 | 0.625 | 22.5 | 57.15 |
| 2/3 | 0.6667 | 24 | 60.96 |
| 3/4 | 0.75 | 27 | 68.58 |
| 7/8 | 0.875 | 31.5 | 80.01 |
| 1 | 1 | 36 | 91.44 |
Cutting tools for any fabric width
Olfa 60mm Ergonomic Squeeze-Handle Rotary Cutter RTY-3/DX
$26.49Cuts long, straight strips across the full width of fabric.
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Creative Grids 12-1/2 x 24-1/2 Rectangle Quilt Ruler
$55.99A 24 inch ruler spans folded quilting cotton for width-of-fabric strips.
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Olfa 35 x 70 Continuous Grid Connecting Rotary Mat Set
$209.99Enough mat to cut wide fabrics and backing without shifting.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
How wide is quilting cotton?
Quilting cotton is usually labeled 42 to 45 inches wide (about 112 cm). Selvages take 1 to 2 in; patterns assume about 40 to 42 in usable. WOF means width of fabric. Many quilters plan with 40 inches to allow for pre-washing shrinkage and slightly narrower bolts.
What does WOF mean in a quilt pattern?
WOF means width of fabric: a strip cut from selvage to selvage across the full width of the fabric, usually 40 to 42 inches long on quilting cotton. Patterns use it for binding, borders and strip piecing. Always trim the selvages first, since they are woven more tightly and shrink differently.
How much does 60 inch fabric save over 45 inch?
By area, a yard of 60 inch fabric has about a third more usable fabric than a yard of 45 inch fabric. For garments, that often means buying about a quarter less yardage, but savings depend on how pattern pieces fit across the width. Long pieces like pant legs save less.
What is 108 inch wide fabric used for?
Fabric 108 inches wide (sometimes called quilt backing or wide back) covers the back of a queen or king quilt without seams. Backs most queen quilts without a seam. It is often cheaper per square inch than piecing standard cotton.
How many inches are in a fraction of a yard?
A yard is 36 inches, so 1/8 yard is 4 1/2 inches, 1/4 yard is 9 inches, 1/3 yard is 12 inches, 1/2 yard is 18 inches and 3/4 yard is 27 inches. The conversion table on this page also lists centimeters for every common fraction.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.