How much material do I need for a headliner?
For a typical passenger car, plan on about 1.5–2 yards of fabric (54" wide) to cover the headliner, with extra for mistakes and pattern matching. Larger vehicles or fabric with patterns and extra backing may require 3 yards or more.
Understanding what goes into a headliner
Replacing a headliner isn’t just about fabric. You often need foam backing and a rigid headliner board, plus adhesive and trim pieces. The shape of the roof, openings for lights or handles, and the direction of the fabric grain all influence how much material you’ll actually use. Getting accurate measurements and factoring in pattern matching helps prevent shortages or excess.
Factor to consider before buying
Before estimating yardage, consider the following factors that affect how much material you need:
- Overall roof area to cover, including curves and recesses
- Fabric width (common options are 54" or 60")
- Presence of openings (sunroof, dome lights, handles) that require additional cuts
- Pattern direction and matching across panels
- Backing type (foam density) and headliner board thickness
With these considerations in mind, you can estimate more accurately and avoid buying too little or too much.
Rough yardage by vehicle type
Use these starting points as a guideline. They assume standard 54" wide fabric and that you’re replacing a typical car headliner with normal curves. If your roof is unusually large or flat, or you’re using 60" wide fabric, yardage will shift accordingly. Always measure your roof area and add a contingency for openings and mistakes.
- Small cars (compact sedans): 1.5–2 yards
- Midsize sedans and coupes: 2–2.5 yards
- Large sedans and small SUVs: 2.5–3.5 yards
- Full-size SUVs and trucks: 3–4+ yards
Note: Width variations (54" vs 60") and features like sunroofs or panoramic openings will affect totals. If you’re replacing a headliner with extra components (sunroof encasement, overhead consoles), plan additional material.
Buying tips and practical considerations
To maximize success and avoid common pitfalls, consider these practical guidelines when shopping and preparing for installation:
- Choose the right fabric type for your vehicle: durable vinyl or fabric with fade resistance, accounting for climate and wear.
- Check fabric width and how it aligns with your measurements; wider fabric can reduce yardage but may require more pattern planning.
- Account for pattern repeats if using a patterned fabric; ensure enough material to match across panels.
- Set aside extra for seams, cutouts, and potential mistakes; a 10–20% cushion is common.
- Stock essential supplies: contact adhesive or spray glue, foam backing, a compatible headliner board, and trimming tools.
- Test-fit the fabric on a scrap section or the board before applying adhesives to minimize waste.
With careful planning, you’ll achieve a clean, professional finish even on complex roof shapes.
Summary
In most cars, you’ll need about 1.5–2 yards of fabric (54" wide) to cover the headliner, plus extra for mistakes and pattern matching. Larger vehicles and patterned or heavier backing can push the requirement to 3 yards or more. Start by measuring the interior roof area, consider fabric width and openings, factor in pattern matching and backing, and always add a contingency. If in doubt, consult a professional or opt for a complete headliner kit designed for your vehicle.
