Simple Metric Conversion Chart



For some of us, metric measurement is a part of our every day life. Here in Australia and other parts of the world, we use the metric measurement system. This poses a bit a problem. Pretty well globally, quilters use imperial measurement for their craft. Here in Australia, we sew and measure in imperial inches, but we purchase fabric by the metre. Yep, this does cause some confusion to say the least. I’ve had a bit of time on my hands this week, so I decided to make up a common measurement chart that converts from imperial inches to metric centimetres. I hope you find this table useful.


To convert from imperial to metric:

for inches, multiply by 2.54 for centimeters
for yards, multiply by 1.1 for meters

To convert from metric to imperial:

for centimetres multiply by .393 for inches
for metres multiply by .91 for yards

Here are some common quilting measurements to make your conversion easier.

A FAT QUARTER measures 18” x 21” or 46cm x 54cm
A HALF YARD measures 18” x 44” or 46cm x 112cm
A YARD measures 36” x 44” or 92cm x 112cm




Smaller measurements:
1/4" = 6mm
1/2" = 1.25cm
3/4" = 2cm
1 " = 2.5cm
1 1/4" = 3cm
1 1/2" = 3.75cm
1 3/4" = 4.5cm
2" = 5cm
2 1/4" = 5.75cm
2 1/5" = 6.25cm
2 3/4" = 7cm
3" = 7.7cm
5 1/4" = 13.5cm
5 1/2" = 14cm
6 1/4" = 16cm
6 1/2" = 16.5cm
10 1/2" =26.5cm
14 1/2" 36.75cm


Larger measurements:
1/4 yard = 0.25m
3/8 yd = 0.35m
1/2 yd = 0.50m
5/8 yd = 0.60m
3/4yd = 0.70m
7/8yd = 0.80m
1 yd = 0.95mm
1 1/8yd = 1.05m
1 1/4yd = 1.15m
1 3/8yd = 1.30m
1 5/8 yard = 1.50m
1 3/4 yd = 1.60m
1 7/8 yd = 1.75m
2 yd = 1.85m
2 1/8yd = 1.95m
2 1/4yd = 2.10m
2 3/8yd = 2.2m
2 1/2yd = 2.3m
2 5/8yd = 2.4m
2 3/4yd = 2.55m
3 yd = 2.75m
3 1/8 yd = 2.9m
3 1/4yd = 3m
3 3/8yd – 3.1m
3 1/2yd = 3.2m
3 5/8yd = 3.35m
3 3/4yd = 3.45m
3 7/8yd = 3.55m
4 yd = 3.7m