Home Calculators Circle Skirt Calculator

Circle Skirt Calculator

Calculate the perfect waist radius, hem circumference, and fabric requirements for full, half, and quarter circle skirts. Get a visual pattern diagram and cutting instructions — in inches or centimeters.

Supports full, half & quarter circle · Includes seam allowance · Fabric yardage calculated

Your Measurements

Measure snugly at the natural waist — where you'll wear the skirt

Measurement Units

Measure around your natural waist (not hip)

in

From waist to desired hem (not including seam allowance)

in

Skirt Type

Choose the fullness of your circle skirt

Circle Type
Full Circle: Maximum flare and fullness. Uses the most fabric. Classic 1950s poodle skirt silhouette. Cut as one complete circle with a hole in the center for the waist.
Seam & Hem Allowance
in

Typically 0.5 in / 1.5 cm

in

Typically 1 in / 2.5 cm

Fabric Width

Standard fabric widths — used to calculate total yardage needed

in

How many pattern pieces to cut (affects layout)

pcs

Full circle = 1 piece (or 2 for seam down back)

Live Measurements
Waist28 in
Length24 in
Skirt TypeFull Circle
Waist Radius (r)—
Hem Radius (R)—
Formulas
Full Circle
r = waist ÷ (2π)
R = r + length
Half Circle
r = waist ÷ π
R = r + length
Quarter Circle
r = waist × 2 ÷ π
R = r + length

π ≈ 3.14159 · Add seam allowance to r and hem allowance to R before cutting.

Sewing Tips
Hang before hemming — Cut the skirt and hang it for 24–48 hours before hemming. Bias-cut fabric stretches and drops unevenly.
Use a string compass — Tie a pencil to a string at the waist radius length, anchor at the corner, and swing to draw a perfect arc on folded fabric.
Add extra to hem R — For very full skirts, the hem drops further than expected after cutting. Add 0.5–1 in extra to your hem radius as a safety margin.
Quarter circle = less waste — Quarter circle skirts use significantly less fabric for shorter skirts and are easier to cut on narrow fabric widths.
Skirt Length Guide
Mini12–16 in / 30–40 cm
Knee length22–24 in / 56–61 cm
Midi26–36 in / 66–91 cm
Maxi / Floor38–44 in / 97–112 cm