Fabric & consumption calculator
Estimate knit fabric consumption for a basic T-shirt in kg per dozen and grams per piece from body length, sleeve length, half chest, allowances, GSM and wastage.
Method note: This is the widely used body-block estimate. Your marker will give the final consumption.
Consumption per dozen
2.318kg/dz
Multiply by the order quantity in dozens to estimate the fabric booking in kg.
kg/dozen = (body length + sleeve length + allowance) × (½ chest + allowance) × 2 × GSM × 12 / 10,000,000
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| BL, SL | Body length and sleeve length | cm |
| ½C | Half chest | cm |
| a_L, a_W | Length and width allowances | cm |
| 2 | Front and back | - |
| 10⁷ | cm² to m² (10⁴) and g to kg (10³) | - |
The calculator uses the body block method. It adds body length, sleeve length and a length allowance, multiplies by half chest plus a width allowance, doubles the area for front and back, and converts area to weight with the GSM. It then adds your wastage percentage and shows the result per dozen and per piece.
The method and its limits are explained in T-shirt fabric consumption.
With the default values: body length 70 cm, sleeve 20 cm, half chest 52 cm, length allowance 8 cm, width allowance 4 cm, 160 GSM and 10% wastage.
Use the result for quick quotations before a marker exists. Once patterns and a CAD marker are ready, compare the estimate with the marker consumption. If they differ a lot, check the sleeve shape, tube width and finished GSM. For orders with a size ratio, calculate the main sizes and take the weighted average.
Half chest, measured flat across the front. The formula multiplies by two for front and back. Using full chest doubles the result.
No. Rib is a different fabric with its own GSM and price. Calculate it separately or use the knit fabric consumption calculator with a rib panel.
Yes. Switch the units to inches; the calculator converts to centimeters before calculating.
The body block method for calculating fabric consumption of a basic T-shirt in kg per dozen, with a worked example, how to handle neck rib, size ratios and wastage, and how to check the estimate against a marker.
How to calculate fabric consumption for knit garments (by weight, from panel areas and GSM) and woven garments (by length, from the marker), with worked examples, wastage allowances and the mistakes that cause fabric shortages.
The panel method for knit fabric consumption: list every panel, calculate area and weight by fabric, add allowances, and total by kg per dozen. Worked example for a hoodie with body fabric and rib.
A garment cost sheet adds fabric, trims, cost of making, processes, testing, commercial costs and profit to reach a price. This guide walks through each element with a worked T-shirt example and the checks that stop losses.