Bead Embroidery Count Calculator
Estimate how many beads you need for a project based on design dimensions and bead size.
% (100 = fully beaded)
Seed bead size reference
| Size | Approx diameter | Beads per inch | Beads per cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15/0 | ~1.5mm | ~40 | ~16 |
| 11/0 | ~2.2mm | ~18 | ~7 |
| 8/0 | ~3.0mm | ~13 | ~5 |
| 6/0 | ~4.0mm | ~10 | ~4 |
How to use this calculator
Use the By Area tab if you know the finished size of your beaded design. Use the By Grid tab if you have a grid pattern and know the exact bead count per row and column. Results include a 15% waste buffer for rejects, dropped beads, and color sorting.
- Size 11/0 seed beads are the most common for bead embroidery on fabric
- Coverage % lets you account for partially beaded areas — e.g. 60% if half the design is bare fabric
- For multi-color designs, divide total bead count by the number of colors as a starting estimate
Bead counts are estimates. Actual usage varies by technique (brick stitch, peyote, backstitch) and bead lot size variation.