Textile operations tool

Fabric Consumption Calculator

Estimate fabric weight per garment, metres per piece and total kilograms for an order using a marker-based method. Use production marker values for the most useful estimate.

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Enter your production values to calculate an operational estimate.

Marker length and usable fabric width
Fabric GSM
Number of garments in the marker
Wastage allowance and order quantity

Calculation method

Estimate knit or woven fabric consumption per garment and total order requirement from marker length, width, GSM, garments and wastage.

Method: kg per garment = marker length × fabric width × GSM ÷ 1,000 ÷ garments in marker × (1 + wastage %)

Worked example: 3000 polo shirts, sizes S-XXL

Marker: 3.60 m length × 1.82 m usable width, 180 GSM interlock, 6 pieces per marker, 5% wastage.

Area per garment = 3.60 × 1.82 ÷ 6 = 1.092 m²
Weight per garment = 1.092 × 180 ÷ 1000 = 0.1966 kg, with wastage = 0.206 kg
Order total = 3000 × 0.206 = 618 kg. Add shrinkage/cutting buffer separately if not in wastage.

For striped or checked fabric, marker length increases 3-8% — run a separate consumption for those colours.

Frequently asked questions

Why does fabric consumption change by size?

Larger sizes need more marker area. For mixed-size orders, use the actual marker ratio or calculate each size separately.

Should wastage be included?

Yes. Add an allowance for marker loss, end bits, defects, shrinkage and cutting loss based on your fabric and production history.

How do I handle shrinkage in consumption?

If the approved consumption is before wash, add the tested shrinkage percentage (e.g. 3% length, 2% width) on top. If the marker already compensates, do not add it again.

Does fabric width change consumption?

Yes. A 10 cm narrower usable width increases marker length by about 5-6% for the same style. Always use the finisher's usable width, not the grey width.

Can I use this for woven shirts?

Yes, but use GSM for weight and also check metres per piece (marker length ÷ garments). Woven buyers often audit in metres, knit buyers in kilograms.

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