Fabric Yardage Explained: Yards, Bolts, and Fractions Simplified
New to buying fabric? Learn how fabric yardage works, what 1 yard measures in inches and centimeters, and how cutting tables measure cuts.
What Exactly Is a Yard of Fabric?
One yard of fabric is a rectangular piece measuring 36 inches long (3 feet or 91.44 cm) cut along the length of the bolt.
The other dimension depends on the bolt. If the bolt is 44 inches wide, 1 yard is 36" × 44". If the bolt is 60 inches wide, 1 yard is 36" × 60".
Convert any length instantly with our Fabric Measurement Converter.
Fractional Yards in Inches and Centimeters
| Fabric Store Fraction | Decimal Yards | Length in Inches | Metric (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⅛ Yard | 0.125 yd | 4.5 inches | 11.4 cm |
| ¼ Yard | 0.250 yd | 9 inches | 22.9 cm |
| ⅓ Yard | 0.333 yd | 12 inches | 30.5 cm |
| ½ Yard | 0.500 yd | 18 inches | 45.7 cm |
| ¾ Yard | 0.750 yd | 27 inches | 68.6 cm |
| 1 Full Yard | 1.000 yd | 36 inches | 91.4 cm |
What Is a Fat Quarter?
A standard quarter-yard is 9" long by 44" wide—a long, skinny strip. Quilters prefer a Fat Quarter, which takes a half-yard (18" × 44") and cuts it in half across the fold, creating an 18" × 22" piece. It contains the exact same area (396 sq in) but in a much more useful squarish shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy a half-yard of fabric at stores?
Yes, most fabric stores happily cut in ⅛-yard or ¼-yard increments.