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.
About this Bead Embroidery Count Calculator
Use this free Bead Embroidery Count Calculator to get quick, accurate results directly in your browser. It is designed for everyday use with no signup, no downloads, and no account required. No signup is required, and the tool works on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers.