A sewing pattern size calculator matches your body measurements to the correct size across major pattern brands. Because pattern sizing differs from ready-to-wear sizes and varies between companies, using your actual bust, waist, and hip measurements is the only reliable way to choose the right size. This tool covers Simplicity/McCall's, Vogue, Butterick, and Burda (European sizing), and includes ease recommendations for different garment fits.
Enter Your Body Measurements
Measure over close-fitting clothing without pulling the tape too tight
Around the fullest part of the bust
At the natural waistline (narrowest point)
Around the fullest part of the hips
Above the bust, under the arms (for FBA check)
Full Bust Adjustment (FBA) Recommended
Measurement Comparison
Your measurements vs. the closest size in each brand
| Measurement | You | Simplicity/McCall's | Vogue | Butterick | Burda |
|---|
Ease Recommendations by Garment Type
Ease is extra room beyond body measurements for comfort and style
| Fit Type | Bust Ease | Waist Ease | Hip Ease | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-Fitted | 0 - 1" | 0 - 0.5" | 0 - 1" | Bodycon dress, corset top |
| Fitted | 1 - 2" | 0.5 - 1" | 1 - 2" | Tailored blouse, sheath dress |
| Semi-Fitted | 2 - 3" | 1 - 1.5" | 2 - 3" | A-line dress, button-up shirt |
| Relaxed | 3 - 4" | 1.5 - 2" | 3 - 4" | Casual tunic, swing dress |
| Oversized | 4 - 6+" | 2 - 4+" | 4 - 6+" | Oversized coat, boxy jacket |
Full Size Charts Reference
Complete measurement tables for all supported brands (inches)
How to Use the Sewing Pattern Size Calculator
Choosing the right pattern size is one of the most important steps in sewing a well-fitting garment. Unlike ready-to-wear clothing, sewing patterns are sized by actual body measurements rather than vanity sizing. A size 12 in a commercial sewing pattern is very different from a size 12 at a retail store. This sewing pattern size calculator takes the guesswork out of size selection by comparing your measurements against the official size charts from Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue, Butterick, and Burda.
Step 1: Take accurate body measurements
Wear close-fitting clothing or undergarments you plan to sew over. Use a flexible measuring tape and keep it snug but not tight. Measure your full bust around the fullest point, your waist at the natural waistline (the narrowest point, usually above the belly button), and your hips at the widest point (typically 7 to 9 inches below the waist). Optionally measure your high bust (above the bust, under the arms) to check whether a full bust adjustment is needed.
Step 2: Enter measurements and calculate
Enter your measurements in inches or centimeters using the unit toggle. You need at least one measurement (bust, waist, or hip) to get results, but entering all three gives the most accurate size recommendation. Click "Find My Pattern Size" to see your recommended size across all four brands simultaneously.
Step 3: Read your size recommendations
The calculator shows the closest matching size for each brand. If your measurement falls between two sizes, the tool recommends the larger size (it is easier to take in than let out). The measurement comparison table shows exactly how your body measurements compare to each brand's size chart, so you can see where adjustments may be needed.
Step 4: Consider ease for your garment type
The ease table shows how much extra room to expect for different garment styles. A close-fitted dress adds 0 to 1 inch of ease at the bust, while an oversized jacket may add 4 to 6 inches. Most pattern companies include wearing ease (the minimum needed for movement) in their designs, but design ease (extra room for style) varies by pattern. Check the pattern envelope for the finished garment measurements to understand how much ease is included.
Tip: Multi-size patterns and grading
If your bust, waist, and hip fall in different sizes, consider using a multi-size pattern and grading between sizes. For example, cut a size 12 at the bust and blend to a size 14 at the hip. This is a common technique and produces a much better fit than choosing a single size and altering extensively.
FAQ
Is this sewing pattern size calculator free?
Yes, this sewing pattern size calculator is completely free with no limits. You can check sizes across all four brands as many times as you need. No account or signup is required, and all calculations run instantly in your browser.
Is my measurement data safe and private?
Yes, everything runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No body measurements or personal data are ever sent to a server. Your information stays completely on your device and is never stored or shared.
Why are my pattern sizes different across brands?
Each pattern company uses its own size chart, similar to how ready-to-wear clothing sizes vary between brands. Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue, and Butterick share similar charts (based on the old American standard), while Burda uses European sizing with different measurement ranges. Always check the specific brand's chart rather than assuming your ready-to-wear size.
What is ease and why does it matter for sewing?
Ease is the extra room added beyond your body measurements so the garment fits comfortably. Fitted garments add 0 to 1 inch of ease, semi-fitted garments add 1 to 2 inches, and relaxed or oversized garments add 3 to 4 inches or more. Pattern companies already include ease in their designs, but knowing how much ease you prefer helps you choose the right size.
Should I size up or down if I am between two pattern sizes?
If you fall between two sizes, it is generally safer to cut the larger size. You can always take in seams for a better fit, but letting out seams is limited by the seam allowance. For fitted garments where precision matters, consider making a muslin toile in the larger size first and adjusting from there.
Which measurement is most important for choosing a pattern size?
For tops, dresses, and jackets, the bust measurement is the primary sizing measurement. For skirts and pants, the hip measurement takes priority. The waist matters for both but is easier to adjust during fitting. If your bust and hip fall in different sizes, choose based on the garment type and plan to grade between sizes at the waist.
What is a high bust measurement and when do I need it?
The high bust (or upper bust) is measured above the fullest part of the bust, directly under the arms. If your full bust is two or more inches larger than your high bust, you may want to select your size based on the high bust measurement and do a full bust adjustment (FBA) on the pattern. This gives better shoulder and armhole fit.
Do Burda patterns use different sizing than American patterns?
Yes, Burda uses European sizing which runs smaller in number but the actual measurements are similar. A Burda size 38 is roughly equivalent to a US size 8 or 10 in pattern sizing. Burda also tends to include less seam allowance (typically 5/8 inch versus 1.5 cm), so always check seam allowances before cutting.