Macrame Cord Calculator — Sample, Cut & Spool Plan
Plan macrame cord lengths from your own knotted sample. Separate working and filler cords, add cut margin, and see an intact cutting plan for whole spools.
MACRAMÉ · MEASURE, CUT, MAKE
Cut the right length for each cord.
Use a knotted sample to plan different cord roles. Then see how your whole cuts fit into spools.
Examples teach the calculation. Their measurements are illustrative, not standard consumption rates for any knot.
Working cords
Measured sample & mounting allowance
Make a sample with your actual cord and tension. Measure cord used in the knotted section for one strand in this role, excluding loose ends. Working and filler strands often differ.
Filler cords
Measured sample & mounting allowance
Make a sample with your actual cord and tension. Measure cord used in the knotted section for one strand in this role, excluding loose ends. Working and filler strands often differ.
Cut margin & stock
64.8 m of cuts · 80 m purchased · 15.2 m left
Total-length minimum: 7 spools. This plan uses 8 because each cut stays whole. A feasible arrangement, not a promise of the smallest possible purchase.
Your cut list
| Group | Cut | How many | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working cords | 840 cm | 6 | 5040 cm |
| Filler cords | 240 cm | 6 | 1440 cm |
Inside each spool
Choose a spool to inspect its cuts. Colours identify groups; grey is uncut stock.
Spool 1: cut one working cord of 840 cm; 160 cm remains.
How the sample becomes a cut list
For each role: consumption ratio = cord used in the sample ÷ finished sample height. Multiply that ratio by the target knotted height, then add the free length per side. Double this for a folded cord with equal sides, then add its mounting allowance once. Apply your margin to each whole cut and round upwards to your chosen increment.
A folded physical cord makes two hanging sides. This tool assumes both sides have the same role and measured consumption. If the roles differ, use a pattern-specific cut measurement instead. It does not infer alternating knot paths or design a pattern for you.
The spool plan places longest cuts first into the first spool with room. It always keeps cuts whole and shows the arrangement. The total-length lower bound is only a minimum, not proof that its spool count can be achieved. Separate colours or cord types need separate calculations.
Use a representative repeat at the same cord thickness and hand tension. A sample is evidence for an estimate, not a guarantee: test your proposed length before cutting every cord.
Sample planning background: Marching North's guide to estimating cord.
