Kumihimo Cord Length Calculator
Kumihimo braiding consumes cord as it moves back and forth on the stand, so each strand needs to be cut 3-4x longer than the finished braid. Multiply the target finished length by the multiple, add a tail allowance for finishing, then multiply by the number of strands for the total.
Your numbers
Cut length per strand
370cm
Total cord needed
2,960cm
Formula
Total cord needed = (Finished braid length (cm) × Cut-to-finish multiple + Tail allowance (cm)) × Strand count
The multiple varies with braid type (round vs flat) and cord thickness. For a pattern you haven't tried before, budget closer to 4x.
What to enter
| Input | Default | Accepted range |
|---|---|---|
| Finished braid length (cm) (cm) | 100 | 10 and up |
| Cut-to-finish multiple (×) | 3.5 | 2 ~ 5 |
| Tail allowance (cm) (cm) | 20 | 0 and up |
| Strand count (strands) | 8 | 4 ~ 16 |
Step by step
Quick reference table
Results when only Finished braid length (cm) (cm) changes and everything else stays put.
| Finished braid length (cm) (cm) | Cut length per strand (cm) | Total cord needed (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 195 | 1,560 |
| 75 | 283 | 2,260 |
| 100 | 370 | 2,960 |
| 150 | 545 | 4,360 |
| 200 | 720 | 5,760 |
What each result means
| Result | At default values |
|---|---|
| Cut length per strand (cm) | 370 |
| Total cord needed (cm) | 2,960 |
Common mistakes
The multiple varies with braid type (round vs flat) and cord thickness. For a pattern you haven't tried before, budget closer to 4x.
Frequently asked questions
QHow is Kumihimo Cord Length Calculator calculated?
Total cord needed = (Finished braid length (cm) × Cut-to-finish multiple + Tail allowance (cm)) × Strand count — Kumihimo braiding consumes cord as it moves back and forth on the stand, so each strand needs to be cut 3-4x longer than the finished braid. Multiply the target finished length by the multiple, add a tail allowance for finishing, then multiply by the number of strands for the total.
QCan you walk through an example?
With Finished braid length (cm) 100cm, Cut-to-finish multiple 3.5×, Tail allowance (cm) 20cm, Strand count 8strands, the answer is Cut length per strand 370cm.
QWhat do I need to enter?
Enter Finished braid length (cm), Cut-to-finish multiple, Tail allowance (cm), Strand count. The result recalculates as you type, and an empty box counts as zero.
QHow much does the answer move if I change a number?
Changing only Finished braid length (cm) (cm) moves the answer to Finished braid length (cm) (cm) 50 → Cut length per strand (cm) 195 and Finished braid length (cm) (cm) 200 → Cut length per strand (cm) 720. The table below lays out five steps.
QHow are the numbers rounded?
Money is shown to the nearest whole unit, percentages to one decimal place and everything else to two. What you see is rounded; the calculation itself carries the unrounded value forward.
QAnything to watch out for?
The multiple varies with braid type (round vs flat) and cord thickness. For a pattern you haven't tried before, budget closer to 4x.
Related calculators
Materials differ in density and absorption. If your label states a figure, use it — the defaults here are only common values.