How to Measure for Reupholstering Fabrics for Couches

Extend the fabric tape measure across the inner back of the couch to determine its width. Also measure the length of the inner back. Multiply the length and width of the inner back to calculate the area. If the inner back is arched, measure its length and width across the highest and widest points.

Extend the tape measure across the arc of the outer back to calculate its width. Also measure the length of the outer back, or the distance from its highest to lowest point. Multiply the measurements to determine the area of this section.

Measure the width and length of each outer arm along the side of the couch, or the section directly under the arm rest. Multiply the length and width and note the area of each outer arm section.

Stretch the tape measure to calculate the length and width of the inner arm on each side of the couch. The length is the distance from the bottom of each inner arm to the seam of each outer arm rest. The width extends from the inner back to the edge of the arm rest. Multiply the length and width of each inner arm and note it.

Measure the length and width of the seat pad. The length is the distance between the inner back to the front edge of the seat, while the width extends from one inner arm to the other. Multiply the measurements to calculate the area of this section.

If the couch has removable cushions, measure all the way around one cushion, starting from its back and extending the tape measure over the seat and around the cushion to your starting point. Multiply by two to get the total area of fabric needed for one cushion. Do the same for any other removable features such as headrests or pillows.

Measure the length and width of the horizontal lower panel along the front of the couch, also called the gusset. This section faces outward and is located below the seat pad. Also calculate the area of this section.

Extend the tape measure to calculate the length of the front arm panels, and then the width. Similar to the gusset, these strips on the arms also face outward. Multiply the length by the width to calculate the area of each front arm panel.

Add 2.5 inches for seam allowance to each measurement. Add the area of each section of the couch (in inches), and divide the finding by 1,296, the number of square inches in a square yard, to determine the yardage of the fabric you need. If the desired fabric for upholstery has patterns, add 2 to 4 yards to the final figure to allow for matching the pattern on adjacent sections.