Hexagons tessellate in offset rows, so each new row nests half a hexagon into the one before. Hexagons are measured by side length in English paper piecing: a “1-inch hexagon” has 1 in sides and is about 1.73 in across the flats.
How to use the Hexagon Quilt Calculator
- Quilt width
- Quilt length
- Hexagon side length (finished)
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the desired quilt width and length and the finished side length of your hexagons.
Tips
- Measure over thin clothing with a soft tape held snug but not tight, and keep the tape level all the way round.
- Take each measurement twice; if you are between sizes, the larger size is usually the safer choice.
- Size charts vary by brand and country – check the maker’s own chart when it is available.
- For sewing projects, pre-wash fabric before cutting and buy 10% extra for shrinkage, pattern matching and mistakes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing inches and centimetres between the tape and the size chart.
- Forgetting seam and hem allowances when cutting fabric.
- Measuring an old, stretched garment instead of your body.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Quilt width | Units: in, cm |
| Quilt length | Units: in, cm |
| Hexagon side length (finished) | Units: in, cm |
What each result means
- Hexagon width (flat to flat) = [Hexagon side length (finished)]×sqrt(3)
- Columns = ceil([Quilt width]÷[Hexagon width (flat to flat)] – 0.000001)
- Rows = ceil(max([Quilt length] – [Hexagon side length (finished)]÷2, 0)÷(1.5×[Hexagon side length (finished)]) – 0.000001)
- Whole hexagons = [Columns]×[Rows]
- Half hexagons for straight sides = [Rows]
- Actual width = [Columns]×[Hexagon width (flat to flat)]
- Actual length = [Rows]×1.5×[Hexagon side length (finished)] + [Hexagon side length (finished)]÷2
Example values
How the main result changes when Quilt width changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Quilt width (in) | Whole hexagons |
|---|---|
| 30 | 384 |
| 45 | 576 |
| 60 | 768 |
| 75 | 928 |
| 90 | 1,120 |
| 120 | 1,504 |
Formula
Hexagon width (flat to flat) = side × √3; height (point to point) = 2 × sideColumns = ceil(quilt width ÷ hexagon width); rows = ceil((quilt length − side ÷ 2) ÷ (1.5 × side))Hexagons ≈ columns × rows; half hexagons ≈ rows (to square off the sides)Worked example
Inputs — Quilt width: 60 in; Quilt length: 72 in; Hexagon side length (finished): 1.5 in.
Results — Hexagon width (flat to flat) = 2.6 in; Columns = 24; Rows = 32; Whole hexagons = 768; Half hexagons for straight sides = 32; Actual width = 62.4 in; Actual length = 72.8 in.
Frequently asked questions
How many 1-inch hexagons for a throw quilt?
A 50 × 60 in throw needs roughly 29 columns × 40 rows ≈ 1,160 hexagons.
What does "1-inch hexagon" mean?
The length of one side; the hexagon is about 1.73 in across the flats and 2 in point to point.
How much seam allowance for English paper piecing?
Cut fabric about ⅜ in larger than the paper template on every side.
What formula does the Hexagon Quilt Calculator use?
Hexagon width (flat to flat) = side × √3; height (point to point) = 2 × side.