Fabric Shrinkage Calculator
Some fabrics shrink the first time they are washed. This works out how much extra fabric to buy, so the finished piece is still the size you planned.
- Free
- Works offline after your first visit
- Saves on this device
- No sign-up
- Updated
How it works
Divide the fabric you need after washing by one minus the shrinkage share. The fabric you start with has to be bigger, so that the shrunk piece still covers the job.
To find your own shrinkage, wash a test piece the way you will wash the finished item, and measure it before and after.
Worked example
To end with 3 yd after washing, with 5% shrinkage, buy 3.16 yd, which leaves 0.16 yd to allow.
Questions
What shrinkage should I expect?
It varies by fabric and fiber. Test a piece of the same fabric, wash it, and measure the change instead of guessing.
Do I need to pre-wash the fabric?
Pre-washing before cutting removes most of the shrinkage, so the amount you buy is closer to what you need.
Does fabric shrink both ways?
Often, and not always by the same amount. Measure both the length and the width of your test piece.
More like this
- Cross Stitch Fabric Size CalculatorFabric size from a stitch count and fabric count.
- Curtain Fabric CalculatorFabric for pleated curtains, by width and length.
- Soap CalculatorLye and water weights for a cold process batch.
- Bias Tape Length CalculatorLength of bias tape from one square of fabric.
- Board Feet CalculatorBoard feet from thickness, width and length.
- Candle Fragrance CalculatorFragrance oil by weight of wax.