Calculate Needs
Fabric to Leather Conversion
This page (and the below diagrams) are intended as a helpful tool for estimating leather square footage. Please keep in mind that these are estimates; you should verify each application with your installer.
By industry standards, one linear yard of 54” fabric is equal to 18 square feet of leather. To make the conversion, multiply fabric linear yards requested by the installer x 18 to calculate the square feet of leather to purchase.
Fabric linear yards x 18 = square feet of leather to purchase.
Although there are 13.5 sq.ft. in a standard linear yard of 54” wide fabric, the additional 4.5 sq.ft. in the leather conversion formula accounts for irregular shape of hides. When using this conversion calculation, it is NOT necessary to add additional overages.
This applies to 54" wide fabric (13.5 sq.ft. per yard) and hides averaging 50-55 sq.ft.
If your fabric is not 54" wide, you can estimate needs by multiplying the fabric square feet x 1.333 to calculate leather square feet. Always verify final need with your installer.
EXAMPLE FURNITURE DIAGRAMS (Fabric/leather)
Lounge chair
(Tight seat & back)
8 yards / 144 sq.ft.
Loveseat
(Tight seat & back)
12 yards. / 216 sq.ft.
Sofa
(Tight seat & back)
15 yards / 270 sq.ft.
Tufted loveseat
13 yards / 234 sq.ft.
Lounge chair
(Loose seat & back)
9 yards. / 162 sq.ft.
Sofa
(Loose seat & back)
18 yards / 324 sq.ft.
Wing chair
8 yards / 144 sq.ft.
Bergere
3 yards / 54 sq.ft.
Arm chair
2 yards / 36 sq.ft.
Bar stool
2 yards / 36 sq.ft.
Bench, 60”
2 yards / 36 sq.ft.
Ottoman, 36” x 36”
5 yards / 90 sq.ft.
Desk chair
3 yards / 54 sq.ft.
High back executive chair
5 yards / 90 sq.ft.