How this calculator works
The inch is exactly 0.0254 m and the yard is exactly 0.9144 m, so a yard holds exactly 36 inches, the same as three feet. Fabric, ribbon, trim and turf are often sold by the yard while patterns and small parts are given in inches, so this pair comes up whenever a shopping list mixes the two. Dividing inches by 36 gives yards, and a decimal answer is normal because few inch measurements divide evenly into a yard.
Formula
yards = inches / 36. inches = yards x 36. 1 yd = 36 in = 3 ft = 0.9144 m exactly.
Worked example
72 in is 72 / 36 = 2 yd. Two yards of fabric is 72 in, and 2.5 yd is 90 in. A 45 in width is 1.25 yd. A 12 in ruler is one third of a yard.
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Frequently asked questions
How many inches are in a yard?
Exactly 36. The yard is 0.9144 m and the inch is 0.0254 m, so 0.9144 / 0.0254 = 36.
Why is fabric sold by the yard but measured in inches?
Yards are the retail unit for fabric and trim, while seam allowances, hems and pattern pieces are given in inches. Converting before shopping avoids buying a short length.
How do I convert feet and inches to yards?
Turn the feet into inches by multiplying by 12, add the inches, then divide the total by 36. For 3 ft 6 in, 42 / 36 = 1.16667 yd.
Does a yard of fabric mean a square yard?
No. A yard of fabric is a length measured along the bolt, and the width is separate, often 44 or 60 in. Multiply the two to get square yards, or use a square yard calculator.