FullCalculator

Pleated Skirt Calculator

Pleat Fabric Calculator

Calculate how much fabric you need for pleats

in
in

Pleat Spacing

Calculate even pleat spacing for a specific number of pleats

in

Formula

Total fabric width = Waist × Multiplier (3× for knife/box pleats) | Pleat count = Waist / Pleat width | Fabric yards = (Panels × Skirt length) / 36

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fabric do I need for a pleated skirt?
Pleated skirts typically need 3 times your waist measurement in fabric width. A 28-inch waist needs about 84 inches of fabric width, which translates to roughly 3-4 yards of 45-inch fabric depending on skirt length.
What is the difference between knife and box pleats?
Knife pleats fold in one direction and are the most common. Box pleats have two folds facing away from each other, creating a flat front. Inverted box pleats fold toward each other. All use similar amounts of fabric.
How deep should pleats be?
Standard pleat depth is 1-2 inches for most skirts. Deeper pleats (2-3 inches) create more volume and movement. The pleat depth should generally equal the visible pleat width for a balanced look.

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