How many items you can cut from a bolt.
Counts whole items only; allow extra for cutting layout.
The number of items you can cut from a bolt depends on the length of the bolt and the length each item needs. A bolt length in yards is multiplied by 36 to get inches, and dividing that by the length per item and rounding down gives the number of items. A 15 yard bolt is 540 inches, which yields 22 items that are 24 inches long.
Bolt lengths differ between mills and fabrics, so check the actual length on the label. The ends often have flaws or short pieces that cannot be used, so allow a small margin when you plan an order.
Remember also the width. If the pieces are narrower than the fabric, you can cut several across the width of each length, which multiplies the yield. Directional prints, stripes, and plaids may force you to cut everything in one direction, which reduces what you can get.
Use the yield to work out the cost per item when you are making things to sell, together with the cost of thread, notions, and your time. Buying a whole bolt is often cheaper per yard than buying the same length cut from the roll.