Fabric & consumption calculator
Calculate length and width dimensional change after washing from benchmark measurements, and the compensated cutting length needed to reach a finished measurement.
Method note: Test procedures, specimen sizes and wash cycles are defined by the applicable standard or buyer manual.
Length change (shrinkage)
-3.4%
Compare each direction separately against the tolerance in your specification. Negative values are shrinkage and positive values are growth.
Dimensional change % = (after - before) / before × 100
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| L_b | Benchmark distance before treatment | cm |
| L_a | Benchmark distance after treatment | cm |
| Δ% | Negative means shrinkage, positive means growth | % |
Cut length = finished length / (1 - shrinkage / 100)
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| s | Expected shrinkage in that direction | % |
Dimensional change for length and width is calculated as (after - before) / before × 100. If you enter a finished measurement, the calculator also works out the length to cut so that, after the measured length shrinkage, the garment reaches that measurement: cut length = finished / (1 - shrinkage fraction).
Defaults: benchmarks 50.0 cm in length and width; after washing, 48.3 cm and 49.1 cm; finished body length needed 70 cm.
Compare the results with the buyer's limits for the same test method. If shrinkage is too high, work with the fabric supplier on relaxation and compaction first. See fabric shrinkage and dimensional stability testing.
Dimensional change is (after - before) / before × 100, so shrinkage is negative and growth is positive. This matches how test reports usually present results.
The distance set by the test method you follow. Mark and measure carefully, because small measuring errors change the result.
Only when garments are washed after sewing or the fabric cannot be improved. For unwashed garments, aim to keep fabric shrinkage within the buyer's limit.
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