The formula
Fabric cost per garment = consumption per garment × (1 + wastage %) × price per kg
Example: 0.24 kg per garment with 3% extra wastage at 6.50 per kg is 0.24 × 1.03 × 6.50 = 1.61 per garment. For 300 pieces you would buy about 74 kg.
Using it
Enter prices in any currency. The result is in the same currency. If your supplier quotes per metre, convert with the GSM converter, which shows metres per kilogram for a given width.
Do not have a consumption figure? Estimate one with the fabric consumption calculator. If its result already includes cutting wastage, set extra wastage here to cover only dyeing and handling losses.
Common questions
Why is fabric bought by weight?
Knit fabric is sold by the kilogram because its length changes with tension. Woven fabric is usually sold by the metre or yard.
How much of a garment's cost is fabric?
It varies by garment, but fabric is commonly the largest single cost in a basic knit garment, which is why consumption and weight matter so much.