Sewing Measurement Converter

Convert between inches, centimeters, yards, and meters β€” plus quick reference charts for fabric widths and seam allowances.

Fractional inches

Sewing patterns in the US use fractional inches (β…›, ΒΌ, β…œ, Β½, ⅝, ΒΎ, β…ž). The converter shows the nearest β…›" fraction alongside the decimal. When measuring, round to the nearest β…›" β€” that's the precision most sewing requires.

Yards vs. meters

US fabric is sold by the yard (36"). European and international fabric is sold by the meter (~39.4"). If a US pattern says "3 yards" and you're buying in meters, you need about 2.75 meters. If a European pattern says "2.5 meters" and you're buying in yards, you need about 2.75 yards.

Related tools