How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose total pattern area in the marker.
- Enter or choose marker length.
- Enter or choose marker width.
- Enter or choose garments in the marker.
- The marker efficiency updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
Efficiency % = Pattern area ÷ (Marker length × Marker width) × 100; Waste % = 100 − Efficiency %
- Pattern area
- sum of all pattern pieces in the marker
- Marker width
- usable fabric width the marker is made for
Worked example
- Marker area = 6 m × 1.60 m = 9.6 m².
- Efficiency = 8.1 ÷ 9.6 = 84.375%; waste = 15.625%.
- Length per garment = 6 ÷ 4 = 1.5 m.
The marker uses 84.4% of the fabric, wasting 1.5 m² (15.6%), and needs 1.5 m of fabric per garment.
What the result means
Efficiency rises with more garments and mixed sizes in one marker. Compare markers for the same style and fabric width; efficiencies for different styles are not directly comparable.
Assumptions and limits
- The marker width equals the usable fabric width.
- End losses at the lay ends and splicing overlaps are outside the marker and are not included.
Questions
What is a good marker efficiency?
It depends on the style: simple shapes nest better than garments with many curved pieces. Track it for each style and fabric to spot markers that can be improved.
Does higher efficiency always save money?
Usually, but very long mixed-size markers can make the lay and cut slower; weigh fabric saved against cutting time.