How Much Headliner Fabric Do I Need? A Simple Sizing Guide
Posted by CarLiner Company on Oct 23rd 2026
Ordering headliner fabric is easy. Ordering the right amount is where most DIY jobs go wrong. Too little and you're stuck with a seam across your roof. Too much and you've paid for fabric you'll never use.
The good news: you only need one measurement and a little math. Here's exactly how to figure out how much headliner fabric to buy for a car, truck, SUV or RV.
The Short Answer
Most cars and small SUVs need about 2 yards (72") of 60"-wide headliner fabric. Larger SUVs, minivans and crew-cab trucks often need closer to 2½–3 yards (79"–108").
But vehicles vary a lot, so don't guess. Measure your board — it takes two minutes.
Step 1: Measure Your Headliner Board
The most accurate way is to measure the headliner board itself (the stiff panel the fabric is glued to), not the roof of your car.
- Remove the board if you can. You'll be taking it out to re-cover it anyway.
- Measure the longest point from front to back.
- Measure the widest point from side to side.
- Follow the curve. If the board is contoured, run a soft tape measure along the surface instead of straight across, so you don't come up short.
Can't remove it yet? Measure inside the car from the top of the windshield to the top of the rear window, and from door frame to door frame. Treat it as a rough estimate and round up.
Step 2: Add 3–4 Inches on Every Side
You need extra fabric to wrap around the edges of the board and to trim cleanly. Add 3–4 inches to each side — that's 6–8 inches total on both the length and the width.
Example: Your board measures 56" long × 48" wide.
Length: 56 + 8 = 64"
Width: 48 + 8 = 56" → fits on 60"-wide fabric ✔
Step 3: Pick the Next Size Up
Our headliner fabric is 60" wide and comes in these lengths:
| Your length (after adding extra) | Order this size |
|---|---|
| Up to 24" | 24" × 60" |
| 25"–36" | 36" × 60" (1 yard) |
| 37"–48" | 48" × 60" |
| 49"–72" | 72" × 60" (2 yards) — most cars |
| 73"–79" | 79" × 60" |
| 80"–108" | 108" × 60" (3 yards) — larger SUVs, vans |
| 109"–144" | 144" × 60" (4 yards) — big vans, RVs, extra pieces |
In the example above (64" long), you'd order 72" × 60".
Ordering more than one piece? Multiple quantities ship as one continuous piece, so you won't end up with a seam.
Typical Sizes by Vehicle Type
Use this as a starting point — always measure your own board before ordering.
| Vehicle | Typical length to order |
|---|---|
| Coupe / compact car | 72" (2 yards) |
| Midsize sedan | 72"–79" |
| Small SUV / crossover | 72"–79" |
| Large SUV / minivan / wagon | 79"–108" |
| Pickup (regular cab) | 48"–72" |
| Pickup (crew cab) | 72"–79" |
| Full-size van / RV / camper | 108"–144", sometimes more than one piece |
What About Width?
Most passenger-car headliner boards fit comfortably on 60"-wide fabric once you add the extra for wrapping. If your board plus 6–8" is wider than 60" (common on full-size vans and some RVs), you have two options:
- Use two pieces and place the seam where it will be hidden (under a dome light or grab handle), or
- Send us your measurements and we'll help you plan the layout.
Don't Forget the Extras
If you're also re-covering these, add them to your total before choosing a size:
- Sun visors
- A, B or C pillar trims
- Rear deck or sunroof shade panels
Lay the pieces out on paper (or sketch them) to see if they fit in the leftover fabric from your main board. If not, size up.
Which Foam Thickness Should I Choose?
- 3/16" foam is the most common factory-style thickness. It's soft and helps hide small dents and imperfections in the board.
- Foam-backed vinyl (we carry 5/16") is a good choice for trucks, RVs and boats where you want an easy-to-wipe surface.
3 Things to Check Before You Cut
- Measure twice. Fabric cut to your custom length is final sale.
- Check the color in daylight. Hold it up to your interior as soon as it arrives. Colors can look different on screen, and dye lots can vary slightly. Unused, uncut fabric can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
- Use a high-temp headliner adhesive. Regular spray glue can let go in summer heat — and then you're doing the job twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many yards of headliner fabric do I need for a car?
Most cars need about 2 yards (72") of 60"-wide fabric. Measure your headliner board, add 3–4 inches per side, and pick the next size up.
How many yards do I need for an SUV?
Small SUVs often need about 2 yards. Larger SUVs and minivans usually need 2½–3 yards (79"–108"). Always measure your board to be sure.
Should I measure the roof or the headliner board?
The board. Measuring the board itself is more accurate, especially if you follow its curves with a soft tape measure.
Is it better to order a little extra?
Yes. A few extra inches makes wrapping the edges much easier. Running short means a visible seam or a second order.
If I order two pieces, will they come as one?
Yes. Multiple quantities ship as one continuous piece.
Can I return headliner fabric?
Unused, uncut fabric can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Fabric that has been cut to length is final sale, so measure carefully before cutting.
Still Not Sure? We'll Do the Math
Send us your board's length and width, and we'll tell you exactly which size to order. No guesswork.