Quilt Batting Calculator

Enter your quilt top size and we'll tell you the batting dimensions to buy and which standard package fits.

📖 How it works & FAQ

Quilt top width (in) Quilt top height (in)

Overhang per side (in)

Extra batting beyond the quilt top on every edge (usually 3–4"). Longarmers often want 4–6".

Batting you need

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Standard package sizes

How much batting does a quilt need?

Batting should be larger than your finished quilt top on every side. That extra margin, called overhang, gives you room to baste, quilt, and square up without running short at the edges — especially important if you quilt on a longarm or send the quilt out to be quilted. A common rule is 3–4 inches of overhang per side; many longarm quilters ask for 4–6 inches. This calculator adds your chosen overhang to both dimensions and tells you the exact batting size to buy.

Reading the package results

Pre-packaged batting comes in named sizes (Craft, Crib, Throw, Twin, Full, Queen, King). Because batting can be turned either direction, a package "fits" when your required width and height both land inside it in some orientation. The tool marks every package as fits or too small and highlights the smallest one that works, so you don't overbuy. If nothing fits, buy batting by the yard or from a wide roll and cut to size.

How to use it

Enter your quilt top's finished width and height in inches.
Set the overhang per side (default 4"). Bump it up for longarm quilting.
Read the batting you need figure — that's the size to cut or buy.
Scan the package list and pick the highlighted smallest that fits, or grab yardage if none do.

Everything runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

FAQ

How much overhang should I add?: Home machine or hand quilting: about 3–4 inches per side. Longarm quilting: 4–6 inches, since the top and backing get loaded on rollers.
Why did two packages both say "fits"?: Any package at least as big as your batting fits. The tool highlights the smallest one so you buy just enough and waste less.
What if no standard size fits?: Your quilt is larger than a King package. Use wide-width batting from a roll (90"–120" wide) or buy by the yard and piece if needed.
Does this include the backing?: No — this sizes the batting layer only. Your backing typically needs the same overhang as the batting, or a little more for longarm.

Results are estimates to help you shop; confirm final cuts against your quilting method and your batting brand's actual package dimensions.