Hexagon Quilt Calculator
Plan hexagon quilts with confidence. Determine finished quilt size, number of hexagons, and fabric yardage based on your layout and seam allowances.
Finished Quilt Size
37.5" W × 43.5" H
Hexagon Count
56
23.4 sq in per hexagon
Fabric Estimate
~1.01 yards total
Strip width 5.70", strip length 6.50"
How to Use This Calculator
Determine hexagon size
Enter the finished side length of one hexagon. Include the size after seams are sewn.
Set your layout
Input the number of hexagons across (columns) and down (rows) to match your design.
Adjust for seams and borders
Add seam allowance and optional borders so the final quilt matches your target size.
Formula
Quilt Width = side × (1.5 × (columns − 1) + 2)
Quilt Height = √3 × side × rows − (√3 × side ÷ 2)
Fabric Area = hexagon count × (3√3 × side² ÷ 2)
Add 2 × seam allowance and 2 × border allowance to both width and height for the finished size.
Example: 3" side, 7 columns, 8 rows → width ≈ 3 × (1.5 × 6 + 2) = 31.5", height ≈ 3√3 × 8 − 2.6 ≈ 40.0".
About the Hexagon Quilt Calculator
Hexagon quilts (Grandmother’s Flower Garden and modern hexagon layouts) produce beautiful results but the math can be tricky. This calculator helps you plan hexagon counts, finished dimensions, and fabric consumption.
When to Use This Calculator
- Planning EPP projects: Estimate fabric for English Paper Piecing hexagons.
- Sewing machine piecing: Determine strip cutting sizes for rotary cutting.
- Custom quilts: Resize hexagon quilts to fit beds, throws, or wall art.
- Workshops/classes: Provide students with quick reference values.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Comprehensive metrics: Quilt size, hexagon count, fabric yardage, and strip cutting info.
- ✅ Seam-aware: Accounts for seam allowances and borders automatically.
- ✅ Mobile friendly: Perfect for planning sessions at the fabric store.
- ✅ Adaptable: Works for both machine piecing and EPP methods.
Common Applications
Quilt guild swaps: Standardize the hexagon size and layout for group projects.
Pattern design: Quickly test different layouts before drafting instructions.
Fabric shopping: Ensure you buy enough yardage (plus backing and binding) in one trip.
Tips for Best Results
- Add 10–15% extra fabric for fussy cutting or directional prints.
- Remember that edge hexagons may be trimmed; plan for half-hex units along borders.
- Use design walls or planning apps to visualize color placement before cutting.
- Consider basting seam allowances if using EPP to maintain precise shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this account for half hexagons on the edges?
The total hexagon count includes full hexagons only. If you plan to trim edges, add extra fabric or count half hexagons separately.
Can I change orientation to point-up hexagons?
This calculator assumes flat-top hexagons. For point-top orientation, the math is similar—swap width and height calculations accordingly.
How precise is the fabric yardage estimate?
The estimate is based on total hexagon area. Real-world cutting may require additional fabric due to layout, grainline, and fussy cutting.
Can I use metric measurements?
Enter inches for now and convert using 1" = 2.54 cm. You can adapt the calculator to metric units in future updates.