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Fabric & sewing

Tablecloth fabric calculator

Choose the dimensions of a rectangular or round tablecloth using your table size, desired drop and hem allowances. The tool then checks how many full fabric widths are needed for your chosen roll width.

Your project measurements

Metric units
cm
cm
cm
cm
cm
Add both folds if you are making a double-fold hem.
cm
cm
%

Need a starting point? The initial values are an example.

YOUR ESTIMATE

4.68 m

Calculated fabric length

Illustrative diagram. Tablecloth cutting dimensions and table shown at the same scale. Result: 4.68 m234 cm144 cmGreen: table · orange: drop and hemIllustrative diagram4.68 m
Cutting length after preparation234 cm
Cutting width after preparation144 cm
Full fabric widths to join2 strips
Length per fabric width before shrinkage234 cm
Purchase rounded up to 10 cm4.7 m

Calculated using full strips in one fixed direction, without rotation or reuse of offcuts. Pattern matching is not included.

The tablecloth does not fit within the fabric width: 2 widths must be joined. Wider fabric may reduce seams and the length needed.

Understand the calculation
  1. Add two 25 cm drops and two 2 cm hem allowances to each dimension.
  2. Dimensions after fabric preparation: 234 × 144 cm.
  3. Fabric width after shrinkage: 140 cm; 2 widths needed, including seams.
  4. 2 × 234 ÷ 100 = 4.68 m before shrinkage.

The estimate depends on your measurements and entered inputs. PDF output uses your browser’s Save as PDF option.

MetraNest · https://metranest.com/en/calculators/tablecloth/ · Méthode : Dimensions de coupe = dimensions de table + 2 × (retombée + réserve d’ourlet). Pour une table ronde, utilisez le diamètre pour les deux côtés du carré. Le métrage tient ensuite compte des lés, coutures et retrait renseigné.

Count the drop on both sides

The drop is the visible fabric length beyond the table edge. A 20 cm drop therefore adds 40 cm to the length and 40 cm to the width of a rectangular tablecloth. The value depends on the desired look and how the table will be used.

Add the hem after the finished dimensions

If you are sewing the tablecloth, add the sewing allowance to each of its four edges. For a double-fold hem, the allowance must include both folds. Do not confuse the visible hem width with the fabric used to make it.

Compare with the available fabric width

A tablecloth wider than the fabric needs several widths and joining seams. The calculation adds them in a fixed direction, allowing for known shrinkage. For a round tablecloth, it allows for the square needed to cut the circle. Corner offcuts do not reduce the fabric length. Pattern matching is not included.

The formula
Cutting dimensions = table dimensions + 2 × (drop + hem allowance). For a round table, use the diameter for both sides of the square. Fabric length then accounts for the full widths, joining seams and shrinkage entered.

A dining table

For a 160 × 90 cm table and a 20 cm drop on each side, the finished tablecloth measures 200 × 130 cm. With a total allowance of 3 cm per edge, the piece to cut measures 206 × 136 cm.

Details to check

  • Measure the table as it will actually be used, including extensions.
  • Test the drop using a piece of fabric or paper.
  • Check the washing instructions before cutting the final fabric.

Frequently asked questions

Does a longer drop need much more fabric?

It increases both dimensions. The amount of fabric needed can jump when the cutting width exceeds the roll width.

How is a round tablecloth calculated?

Choose Round and enter the diameter. The cutting diameter adds two drops and two hem allowances. The fabric length is based on the square needed to cut this circle.

Method and references · Editorial review: 25 October 2026

    The geometric formulas are explained here. For a product, its packaging dimensions and coverage rate remain the reference inputs.

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