Select your quilt size or enter your own measurements. The calculator gives you the minimum batting size, with extra on every side for quilting, and the smallest standard batting package that will fit.
A queen quilt (90 × 95 in) needs batting of at least 98 × 103 in (4" extra on every side). The smallest standard package that fits is a King batt (120 × 120 in).
Assumes 42" of usable width on 44/45" quilting cotton (40" for binding strips after seams), 106" usable on 108" wide backing, and 10" extra binding for corners and joining. Fabric amounts are rounded up to the next 1/8 yard (0.1 m).
Batting size chart for common quilt sizes
With 4″ of extra batting on each side, the same margin longarm quilters usually ask for on the backing.
| Quilt size | Minimum batting | Package that fits |
|---|---|---|
| Crib (45 × 60 in) | 53 × 68 in | Twin (72 × 90 in) |
| Throw (50 × 60 in) | 58 × 68 in | Twin (72 × 90 in) |
| Twin (66 × 90 in) | 74 × 98 in | Queen (90 × 108 in) |
| Full (80 × 90 in) | 88 × 98 in | Queen (90 × 108 in) |
| Queen (90 × 95 in) | 98 × 103 in | King (120 × 120 in) |
| King (108 × 95 in) | 116 × 103 in | King (120 × 120 in) |
| California King (104 × 108 in) | 112 × 116 in | King (120 × 120 in) |
Why a twin quilt usually needs a queen batt
Packaged batting is named after the bed, not the quilt. A twin batt is typically 72 × 90 in, which is exactly the size of many finished twin quilts, so there is nothing left over for the margin. Once you add 4″ per side, the next package up is the one that fits. The same happens with queen quilts, which often need a king batt. The calculator checks this for you.
Common packaged batting sizes
Crib 45 × 60 in, Twin 72 × 90 in, Full/Double 81 × 96 in, Queen 90 × 108 in and King 120 × 120 in. Brands vary by a few inches, so check the label before you buy. Batting is also sold by the yard in 90″, 96″, 108″ and 120″ widths, which is handy for odd sizes.
Next steps
Use the same margin to work out your backing fabric, and finish with the binding calculator. Knitting or crocheting a blanket? The yarn calculator covers the same sizes.