Tablecloth Yardage Chart: How Much Fabric Do You Need?
Updated August 31, 2026
For most tables, you'll need between 1½ and 11 yards of fabric — the exact amount depends on your table's size, its shape, and how far you want the cloth to drop. A small square topper takes about 1½ yards; a ruffled round cloth for a 90" table can take up to 11. Measure your table, decide on your drop, and use the charts below to find your number before you order.
Making your own table linens is a great way to customize your dining room, kitchen, breakfast nook, or special event tables — and it starts with buying the right amount of fabric. Before you order, measure your table carefully and decide how much drop you want beyond the tabletop. For casual dining, an 8"–12" drop is common. Formal tablecloths may extend all the way to the floor. (Browse wide-width fabrics for special events ›)
How much fabric do I need for a round tablecloth?
It depends on the table's diameter and the finished style. Plain, piped edges use the least fabric; ruched and ruffled styles use the most.
| Style | Up to 74" Diameter | Up to 90" Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Round tablecloth with regular piping | 4¾ yards | 6 yards |
| Round tablecloth with jumbo piping | 5¼ yards | 7½ yards |
| Round tablecloth with ruched band | 6¼ yards | 9 yards |
| Round tablecloth with ruffle | 8¾ yards | 11 yards |
How much fabric do I need for a square table topper?
A decorative topper layered over a base cloth adds color and texture without the yardage of a full tablecloth.
| Style | Up to 74" Diameter Table | Up to 90" Diameter Table |
|---|---|---|
| 50" topper | 1½ yards | 1½ yards |
| Austrian topper | 2¾ yards | 3½ yards |
| Pleated topper | 2¾ yards | 3½ yards |
How much fabric do I need for placemats?
These amounts are for quilted placemats finished at roughly 12" x 18":
- Large prints (18"–27" repeat): allow one full pattern repeat per placemat.
- Plain fabrics or small prints: allow approximately ½ yard per placemat.
- Ruffled styles: add ¼ yard per placemat.
How much fabric do I need for napkins?
| Fabric Type | Fabric Needed (set of 4) |
|---|---|
| Large prints (18"–27" repeat) | 1½ yards for 4 napkins |
| Plain or small prints | 1¼ yards for 4 napkins |
How much fabric do I need for a table runner?
A table runner is one of the easiest sewing projects for the dining room. Here's the simple rule:
(Table Length + 24") ÷ 36 = yards of fabric needed
That gives you approximately a 12-inch overhang on each end. For example, a 60" table needs (60 + 24) ÷ 36 = about 2⅓ yards.
Choosing the best fabric for table linens
Cotton prints remain the most popular choice for everyday tablecloths and napkins because they're easy to sew and available in thousands of patterns. Linen and linen blends give a more relaxed, designer-inspired look, while damasks and decorative woven fabrics add elegance for formal dining rooms. For outdoor dining, performance and indoor/outdoor fabrics offer excellent durability and stain resistance without sacrificing style.
Whether you're making a simple runner or a fully coordinated table setting, starting with the correct yardage estimate helps your project turn out beautifully while minimizing wasted fabric. If you're not sure how a fabric will behave once it's cut and sewn, order a sample first — it's a lot cheaper than guessing on several yards.
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Tablecloth Yardage Questions
How much fabric do I need for a round tablecloth?
For a table up to 74" in diameter, a simple piped round cloth takes about 4¾ yards; the same size in a ruffled style takes up to 8¾ yards. For a table up to 90", plan on 6 yards for piped and up to 11 yards for a ruffle.
How much drop should a tablecloth have?
An 8"–12" drop is standard for casual and everyday dining. For formal settings and special events, a floor-length drop gives the most elegant look. Decide on your drop before you buy, because it changes your total yardage.
How much fabric do I need for a table runner?
Use this formula: (table length + 24") ÷ 36 = yards needed. The extra 24 inches gives you about a 12-inch overhang on each end. A 60" table works out to roughly 2⅓ yards.
How much fabric do I need for placemats and napkins?
For placemats around 12" x 18", allow about ½ yard each for plain fabrics or small prints, or one full pattern repeat for large prints (add ¼ yard each for ruffles). For napkins, plan on 1¼ yards for a set of four in plain or small prints, or 1½ yards for large prints.
What's the best fabric for tablecloths?
Cotton prints are the easy, everyday choice. Linen and linen blends read more designer, damasks and decorative wovens suit formal rooms, and performance or indoor/outdoor fabrics are best for outdoor tables where durability and stain resistance matter.