Selvedge Width to Total Fabric Width Calculator

What is Selvedge Width?

Selvedge width is the narrow edge of woven fabric. Manufacturers keep it on both sides of the fabric roll. It prevents the fabric from fraying. Selvedge is usually stronger and tighter than the main fabric area. In textile production, selvedge width is often fixed. It ranges between 1 cm to 2.5 cm per side. The value depends on machine type and weaving setup. Selvedge does not contribute to the usable width in cutting or garment making. Still, it is important in calculating the full width of the fabric.

What is Actual Fabric Width?

Actual fabric width means the usable area between the selvedges. This part is cut and used in garment manufacturing or other textile products. Actual width is also called net width or cuttable width. For example, if a fabric roll has an actual width of 150 cm, that means 150 cm is usable. The rest belongs to selvedge.

Formula for Total Fabric Width

To find the total width of a fabric roll, we use this formula:

Total Fabric Width = Actual Fabric Width + (2 × Selvedge Width)

This formula adds the selvedge on both sides. If the selvedge is 1.5 cm per side, the total extra is 3 cm. If the actual fabric width is 150 cm, then the total fabric width = 150 + 3 = 153 cm. This is helpful in fabric planning, machine setup, costing, and packing.

Importance of Knowing Total Fabric Width

Helps in Weaving and Knitting Setup

As a textile engineer, I always check the total fabric width before starting production. It helps set the loom width. A wrong width can cause defects or waste. For example, if the loom is set for 155 cm and the total width is 153 cm, there may be edge problems.

Useful in Fabric Inspection and Quality Control

In inspection, fabric rolls are checked for width. Total fabric width includes selvedge. If the total is lower than expected, it may point to problems in weaving tension or beam alignment.

Important for Packing and Shipping

Packing machines and fabric folders work based on the total fabric width. If the width is wrong, the fabric may not roll or fold correctly. That can damage the fabric or delay shipment.

Supports Garment Marker Making

Marker makers need to know the actual fabric width. But fabric buyers also need the total width for estimating fabric consumption, cutting layout, and order planning.

Why Use a Calculator

A calculator helps textile workers and buyers get quick results. No need to do math manually. You just input the selvedge width and the actual width. It gives you the total width instantly. For example, in a factory setup, line supervisors or floor managers can use a calculator to double-check the width during production. It saves time and avoids mistakes.

Common Selvedge Widths in the Textile Industry

Selvedge width changes depending on fabric type and loom type. Some common selvedge widths are:

• Woven cotton fabric: 1.5 cm per side
• Denim fabric: 2 cm per side
• Knitted fabric: 1 cm per side
• Technical fabric: 2.5 cm per side
  The width also depends on the air jet, rapier, or projectile loom. Some looms give a tighter selvedge. Some use a leno or tuck-in for extra strength.

Total Width Affects GSM and Fabric Weight

GSM stands for grams per square meter. It is affected by the total width in the calculation. If the width changes, the GSM value may also change. The same goes for total fabric weight in kg or lb. Buyers often ask for a fixed GSM. So, calculating width and GSM accurately is necessary.

Benefits of Using the Calculator on Our Site

• Saves time in manual calculation
• Accurate results every time
• Easy to use for workers and engineers
• Helps in planning and reporting
• Available on desktop and mobile
• Includes default values (1.5 cm selvedge, 150 cm fabric width)
• SEO optimized and fast loading

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to calculate selvedge width to total fabric width is basic but important in textile work. It supports weaving, inspection, quality, and production planning. Every textile professional should know how to use the formula. This tool helps mills, garment factories, merchandisers, and designers. Use our calculator to avoid errors and save time. Always check the actual fabric width and selvedge width before starting production.