On this page
Fago Textile buyer guides · 16 October 2026
Compare the same fabric before comparing the price
Fabric cost per metre and price per kilogram describe different purchasing units. A kilogram quote can look higher while producing a lower cost for each linear metre. To compare wholesale knitted fabric offers, first align the construction, composition, finished GSM, width and finishing scope, then convert the units.
This guide uses hypothetical numbers to show the calculation. They are not Fago Textile prices, availability statements or freight quotations. Use the figures in your actual supplier offer and keep sample approval, quality requirements and commercial terms in the comparison.
How to calculate fabric cost per metre
GSM is grams per square metre. One linear metre of open-width fabric has an area equal to its width in metres multiplied by one metre. This gives the following theoretical relationships for uniform fabric:
- Kilograms per linear metre = GSM × width in metres ÷ 1,000.
- Metres per kilogram = 1,000 ÷ (GSM × width in metres).
- Fabric cost per metre = price per kilogram × GSM × width in metres ÷ 1,000.
Keep units consistent: enter 180 cm as 1.80 m and use net kilograms for a price quoted per kg. The BIPM reference for SI units identifies the standard units for length and mass.
Use the same width basis as the fabric weight being purchased. If rolls include edges that cannot be cut, total width and usable width are different inputs for different questions: the mass conversion concerns the whole fabric, while cutting yield concerns the usable portion. Ask the supplier to distinguish them. Our fabric GSM guide explains the weight specification.
Worked example: an open-width jersey quotation
Assume an illustrative finished jersey is 180 GSM, has a total open width of 1.80 metres and is offered at €5.00 per net kilogram. For this example only, assume the full width is usable and the weight is uniform.
| Calculation | Result |
|---|---|
| 180 × 1.80 ÷ 1,000 | 0.324 kg per linear metre |
| 1,000 ÷ (180 × 1.80) | About 3.086 metres per kg |
| €5.00 × 0.324 | €1.62 per linear metre |
| 1,000 kg ÷ 0.324 | About 3,086 linear metres before allowances |
These estimates exclude tolerances, unusable sections, cutting losses and packing weight. Actual roll measurements and the agreed invoicing basis control the purchase. Keep the unrounded calculation in your worksheet and round only the displayed result.
Why a cheaper metre can still cost more per garment
Suppose a second illustrative fabric has the same 180 GSM and €5.00/kg price but is only 1.60 metres wide. Its calculated price is €1.44 per metre. That is lower than €1.62, but each metre also contains less fabric area. Both examples cost €0.90 per square metre before other adjustments.
Ask your cutting team to compare marker yield at the usable width. A lower fabric cost per metre is not automatically a lower garment material cost. Compare the required metres per garment, size ratio, matching components and allowances using the intended pattern. Confirm physical samples before treating two quotations as interchangeable.
Keep tubular and open-width measurements separate
A tube has two layers when measured flat. For a theoretical area calculation, an 0.90-metre laid-flat tube has an approximately 1.80-metre circumference. Do not enter 0.90 metres into an open-width calculation without accounting for both layers.
Ask the supplier whether the stated number is laid-flat tubular width, slit open width or finished usable width. Slitting, edge removal and finishing can change what the garment factory can actually use. This distinction is particularly useful when discussing single jersey fabric for different cutting arrangements.
Compare net fabric weight and the commercial scope
Keep net fabric weight separate from cores, bags, pallets and other packaging. Gross shipment weight is useful for transport planning, but it should not be substituted for net fabric weight in the metre calculation.
Use a quote-comparison sheet with one row for each article and colour. Record the following before selecting a supplier:
- Construction, fibre composition and approved sample reference.
- Finished GSM, tolerance, total width and usable width.
- Open-width or tubular format and net-weight basis.
- Price currency, unit and what dyeing or finishing is included.
- Quantity by colour, minimums and any separately quoted charges.
- Delivery scope, named destination and requested release dates.
For a complete purchasing budget, list transport and other order-specific charges separately and obtain the applicable amounts from the responsible providers. Avoid comparing one fabric-only offer with another offer that includes additional services.
Turn the calculation into a bulk order brief
For a bulk knitted fabric order, state both the purchasing quantity and the garment factory’s planning unit. For example, request a quotation in net kilograms while asking for an estimated length at the specified width and GSM. Ask how the final roll quantities will be reported.
Separate confirmed quantities from forecasts for later shipments. If several fabrics share a container, calculate each article independently before discussing the packing plan. Our bulk order planning guide covers the information needed for production and shipment discussions.
Fabric cost per metre: buyer questions
Can I convert kilograms to metres without GSM?
Not reliably from weight alone. You need fabric mass per unit area and the relevant width, or a measured mass per linear metre.
Is the calculated length guaranteed?
No. It is a theoretical estimate. Agree tolerances, measurement conditions and the final invoicing and reporting basis with the supplier.
What should I send to Fago Textile?
Send the construction, composition, GSM, width format, quantity by colour and destination. Include your preferred quotation unit so offers can be compared consistently.
Plan your next fabric order.
Send your fabric specification, quantity by colour and destination to Fago Textile in Istanbul, Türkiye.
