Free Quilting Calculator
Quilt Batting Calculator
Get the exact cutting dimensions for your batting, total square footage, and an optional package-fit check — so you know before you buy.
Package fit check (optional)
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How batting sizing works
Unlike binding or backing, batting is not measured in yardage — it is cut to a specific size. The standard is to cut batting 2 inches larger than the quilt top on each side (4 inches total per dimension). This overage gives you something to hold onto when loading the quilt sandwich onto a frame or machine, and prevents the batting from shifting and pulling out from underneath the edges during quilting.
The package fit check is the most useful feature of this calculator. Batting is sold in pre-cut packages labelled by quilt size (Crib, Twin, Queen, King), but those label sizes refer to approximate finished quilt sizes — not to the batting dimensions you actually need once overage is added. Mismatches happen constantly, especially for queen and king quilts.
Common batting package sizes
Use this table to check whether a package you own — or are considering buying — covers your required batting size. Enter the package dimensions in the calculator for an exact fit check including rotation.
| Package label | Package size | Max quilt top it covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craft / Crib | 45″ × 60″ | 41″ × 56″ (2″ overage) | Baby quilts, wall hangings |
| Twin | 72″ × 90″ | 68″ × 86″ | Fits most throw quilts |
| Full/Double | 81″ × 96″ | 77″ × 92″ | Between twin and queen |
| Queen | 90″ × 108″ | 86″ × 104″ | Does NOT fit 90×108 quilt + overage |
| King | 120″ × 120″ | 116″ × 116″ | Fits most king quilts |
| CA King | 120″ × 132″ | 116″ × 128″ | California/Western King |
Package sizes vary slightly by brand. Hobbs, Warm Company, Quilters Dream, and Fairfield all follow similar conventions but may differ by an inch or two. Always check the actual package dimensions before cutting.
Worked examples: crib to king
These calculations use the standard 2-inch overage per side.
| Quilt size | Quilt dims | Cut batting to | Sq ft | Smallest fitting package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crib | 36″ × 50″ | 40″ × 54″ | 15.0 | Crib (45″ × 60″) ✓ |
| Throw | 60″ × 80″ | 64″ × 84″ | 37.3 | Twin (72″ × 90″) ✓ |
| Queen | 90″ × 108″ | 94″ × 112″ | 73.1 | King (120″ × 120″) ✓ |
| King | 108″ × 108″ | 112″ × 112″ | 87.1 | King (120″ × 120″) ✓ |
Note: A standard Queen package (90″ × 108″) does not fit a queen quilt with 2″ overage per side — you need a King package. Use the package fit check above to avoid this common mistake.
Choosing batting fibre and loft
- Cotton (100%): Flat, breathable, natural drape. Shrinks slightly on first wash for a classic puckered look. Requires close quilting lines (3 inches max for most brands). Best for bed quilts and hand quilting.
- Polyester: High loft, very lightweight, does not shrink. Can be quilted up to 8–10 inches apart. Best for art quilts, wall hangings, and projects where you want definition and puff.
- Cotton/polyester blend (80/20): The most popular choice — the flat look of cotton with slightly more loft and a wider quilting distance (up to 4–6 inches). Very forgiving.
- Wool: Warm, lightweight, and exceptionally easy to hand quilt. Dry-clean only or gentle wash depending on processing. More expensive but beloved by hand quilters.
- Bamboo blends: Soft, silky drape, naturally antibacterial. Good for baby quilts and apparel.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much overage should I add around the quilt when cutting batting?
- 2 inches per side (4 inches total in each direction) is the standard for home quilting. This gives you enough slack to load the quilt sandwich without the batting pulling out from under the edges. If you are using a longarm quilting service, check their requirements — most ask for 4 to 6 inches per side, and some require up to 8 inches for large quilts.
- Will a queen-size batting package fit my queen-size quilt?
- Often not, once you add overage. A standard queen batting package is 90″ × 108″. A queen quilt measuring 90″ × 108″ needs 94″ × 112″ of batting with 2-inch overage per side — which is larger than the package. You would need to buy a king package (typically 120″ × 120″) or piece two pieces together. Always use this calculator with your actual quilt dimensions before buying batting.
- Can I piece batting together if one piece is not large enough?
- Yes — butting two pieces of batting together and hand-stitching or machine-stitching with a loose zigzag is a common technique called "batting piecing" or "batting seaming." The join should be butted, not overlapped, to avoid a ridge showing through the quilt top. Use the same loft and fibre content for both pieces so the finished quilt quilts evenly.
- What is the difference between cotton, polyester, and wool batting?
- Cotton batting drapes well, breathes, and gives a flat, antique look with close quilting lines. Polyester batting is lofty, lightweight, and can be quilted further apart (up to 8–10 inches). Wool batting is warm, lightweight, and very easy to hand quilt. Bamboo and cotton blends are popular for their softness and drape. Your quilting design and the quilt's intended use should guide the choice.
- Does batting shrink when washed?
- Cotton and wool battings typically shrink 3 to 5 percent on the first wash, which gives the finished quilt a slightly puckered, antique look many quilters love. If you want a flat finish, pre-wash the batting before use. Polyester battings generally do not shrink. Check the manufacturer's instructions — some battings are pre-washed and labelled as such.
More Quilting Tools
- Backing CalculatorPanels, yardage, and cutting for quilt backing fabric.
- Binding CalculatorYardage, strip count, and cutting for double-fold binding.
- HST CalculatorCut-square sizes for half-square triangles.
- Border CalculatorYardage for single or multiple border layers.
- Flying Geese BlockA classic block that looks great with a lofty polyester batting behind it.
- Log Cabin BlockStrip piecing that benefits from flat cotton batting for crisp edges.