Sleeve Length Calculator

Why a sleeve pattern runs longer than your arm

The shoulder-to-wrist measurement is the finished length you want the sleeve to end at — ease and a hem or cuff allowance both get added on top of that to arrive at the actual pattern length to cut.

Measuring shoulder to wrist accurately

Measure along the outside of a slightly bent arm rather than a fully straight one — a straight-arm measurement often comes out short once the elbow bends during normal wear, leaving a sleeve that rides up or feels restrictive.

Match ease to the sleeve style

Fitted sleeves, like a tailored shirt sleeve, want less ease since the goal is a close, tailored line. Drop-shoulder, raglan, and kimono styles often want more, since the whole sleeve sits and moves differently on the shoulder than a set-in sleeve does.