Fabric Shrinkage Calculator
Fabric Shrinkage Calculator: Cut Big Enough to Survive Washing
Many fabrics shrink the first time they're washed, and cutting to the exact finished size without accounting for that leaves a project too small once it's laundered. This calculator uses a test swatch to determine shrinkage rate and adjusts your cut length accordingly.
The Formula
Shrinkage % = (Original − Washed) / Original × 100, Adjusted Cut Length = Desired Finished Length / (1 − Shrinkage%/100)
Worked Example
A 100" test swatch measures 95" after washing, with a desired finished length of 50".
Shrinkage = (100−95)/100 = 5%, Adjusted Cut Length = 50/(0.95) = 52.63"
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure a fabric swatch before washing and enter it as the original measurement.
- Wash and dry the swatch the way you'll treat the finished project, then measure it again.
- Enter your desired finished length for the actual project.
- Click Calculate to get the shrinkage percentage and adjusted cut length.
Related Calculations
Use alongside the Fabric Yardage Calculator to buy enough fabric to cover the shrinkage adjustment.