🧵 Reupholstery Fabric Calculator
Enter the number of chairs and the fabric used per chair to see the total yardage for your reupholstery project — order enough fabric the first time.
🧮 Estimate Your Fabric
What is a Reupholstery Fabric Calculator?
It multiplies the number of chairs you're reupholstering by the fabric typically needed per chair to give a total yardage estimate — a quick planning figure before you buy fabric or get a quote.
Use it when refreshing a full dining set, planning a DIY reupholstery weekend, or getting quotes from an upholsterer. Pattern matching, piping, and welts all add to the total, so treat this as a floor, not a ceiling, and buy a little extra where the fabric allows.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the reupholstery fabric calculator work?
Enter the number of chairs you're reupholstering and the fabric typically needed per chair, in yards. It multiplies the two to give a total yardage estimate for the whole job.
How much fabric does a typical chair need?
A simple dining chair seat pad might need under a yard, while a fully upholstered armchair with a back, seat, and arms can need 4–6 yards or more. Check a similar project's material list, or ask your upholsterer for a per-chair estimate before buying.
Should I buy extra fabric beyond the calculated total?
Yes — this figure is a planning estimate, not a cutting plan. Patterned fabric that needs matching across panels, piping, welts, and any mistakes during cutting all eat into your yardage, so add 10–20% extra when the fabric allows.
Does fabric width affect how much I need?
It can. This estimate assumes a fairly standard fabric width; if you buy a narrower bolt, you may need extra yardage to fit the same cushion panels, since narrow fabric can force fewer usable pieces per yard.