How Much Flock Do I Need?
Working out how much flock you need can be tricky because flock density varies between batches, depending on the textiles from which it has been shredded. The amount required also depends on the size and shape of your item and how firmly you want it stuffed.
As a general guide, 160 kg of compressed flock occupies approximately 1 cubic metre (m³).
Quick Flock Calculator
Square or rectangular cushion/pouffe:
Length (m) × Width (m) × Height (m) × 160 = approximate kg of flock
Round pouffe or cushion:
3.1416 × Radius (m) × Radius (m) × Height (m) × 160 = approximate kg of flock
Cylindrical bolster:
3.1416 × Radius (m) × Radius (m) × Length (m) × 160 = approximate kg of flock
Tip: Once you have calculated the amount, allow extra if you want a firm or tightly packed result.
Step 1: Measure Your Item
Measure the finished internal dimensions of the item you are going to fill.
Convert your measurements to metres:
- 700 mm = 0.70 m
- 650 mm = 0.65 m
- 200 mm = 0.20 m
- 150 mm = 0.15 m
If your cover is already made, use the approximate dimensions of the finished stuffed item rather than the flat dimensions of the fabric.
Step 2: Calculate the Volume
Square or Rectangular Cushion / Pouffe
Length × Width × Height = Volume in m³
Example: 700 × 700 × 200 mm
0.70 × 0.70 × 0.20 = 0.098 m³
Round Pouffe or Cushion
3.1416 × Radius × Radius × Height = Volume in m³
The radius is half the diameter.
Example: 650 mm diameter × 210 mm high
Diameter = 0.65 m
Radius = 0.325 m
Height = 0.21 m
3.1416 × 0.325 × 0.325 × 0.21 = 0.0697 m³
Bolster or Cylindrical Cushion
3.1416 × Radius × Radius × Length = Volume in m³
Example: 150 mm diameter × 700 mm long
Diameter = 0.15 m
Radius = 0.075 m
Length = 0.70 m
3.1416 × 0.075 × 0.075 × 0.70 = 0.0124 m³
Step 3: Convert the Volume to Kilograms
Once you have calculated the volume in cubic metres:
Volume × 160 = approximate kilograms of compressed flock
For example, for a 650 mm diameter × 210 mm high pouffe:
0.0697 × 160 = 11.2 kg
The calculated requirement is therefore approximately 11 kg.
Step 4: Allow for the Firmness You Want
The calculated amount is a starting point. Flock density varies between batches and the final quantity depends on how firmly the flock is packed.
| Desired firmness |
Allowance |
| Soft |
Calculated amount |
| Firm |
Calculated amount + 10–15% |
| Very firm / tightly packed |
Calculated amount + 15–25% |
Example
If your calculation gives 11 kg:
- Soft: approximately 11 kg
- Firm: approximately 12–13 kg
- Very firm: approximately 13–14 kg
Quick Reference
| Item |
Approximate size |
Calculated flock* |
| Bolster |
700 × 150 mm diameter |
2.0 kg |
| Round pouffe |
650 mm diameter × 210 mm high |
11.2 kg |
| Cushion / pouffe |
700 × 700 × 200 mm |
15.7 kg |
| Cushion |
600 × 600 × 100 mm |
5.8 kg |
| Cushion |
500 × 500 × 100 mm |
4.0 kg |
*Calculated using 160 kg per m³. Actual requirements will vary depending on flock density and how firmly the flock is packed.
Our Recommendation
Always order slightly more flock than your calculation indicates.
Flock can be compressed considerably during stuffing, and it is much easier to remove a little flock than to discover you are short when your cover is almost full.
For best results, distribute the flock evenly throughout the cover and work it firmly into the corners, edges and sides rather than simply filling from the centre.
Useful Rule of Thumb
1 m³ of compressed flock ≈ 160 kg
- 0.10 m³ ≈ 16 kg
- 0.075 m³ ≈ 12 kg
- 0.05 m³ ≈ 8 kg
- 0.025 m³ ≈ 4 kg
- 0.01 m³ ≈ 1.6 kg
The final quantity required will depend on the density of the flock and the firmness and shape you want to achieve.