Elite Fabrics

Upholstery Fabric Calculator

Estimate fabric yardage for reupholstering sofas, armchairs, dining seats, and cushions. Includes welting, pattern repeat, and cushion allowances.

Planning a furniture reupholstery project? Calculate reliable fabric yardage benchmarks for armchairs, 2-seat loveseats, 3-seat sofas, sectionals, dining chair seats, and boxed cushions. Includes options for welt cord piping and patterned repeat matching.

Key Features & Calculations

  • Furniture presets (Armchair, Sofa, Loveseat, Dining Seats, Ottoman)
  • Welt cord (piping) yardage calculation
  • Pattern repeat match multipliers (up to 25% extra)
  • Loose cushion options and deep-tufting adjustments
  • Standard 54-inch commercial upholstery bolt width support

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fabric do I need for a 3-cushion sofa?

A standard 3-cushion 84-inch sofa typically requires 14 to 18 yards of 54-inch plain fabric. If using a large printed or plaided pattern, add 2 to 4 yards for repeat alignment.

Why is upholstery fabric always 54 inches wide?

54 inches (137 cm) is the worldwide standard for residential and commercial upholstery looms, allowing full coverage of furniture frames with minimal unsightly seams.

How much fabric is needed for a dining chair seat?

A standard slip seat dining chair requires roughly 0.75 yards for two chairs (or about 0.5 yards per single chair seat including wrap-around stapling margin).