Belt length calculator
Enter a trouser waist size or the measurement of a belt you already wear, plus the buckle fold, tip length and hole spacing you use, to get the belt size, hole positions and the length of strap to cut.
How to use this calculator
Belts are sized by the distance from the fold where the strap wraps the buckle bar to the hole you use, usually the centre hole of five. A common rule is to take your trouser waist size and add 2 inches (about 5 cm): a size 34 waist wears a size 36 belt. If you already have a belt that fits, measure it instead, from the inside of the buckle fold to the hole you use; that measurement is the belt size, so choose "an existing belt".
The holes are centred on the belt size. With five holes 1 inch apart, a size 36 belt has holes at 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38 inches from the fold, so it fits two sizes either way. Change the number of holes or the spacing to match your design; some makers use 3/4 inch or 1 1/4 inch spacing on narrower or wider straps.
The strap you cut is longer than the belt size. Add the buckle fold allowance, the leather that wraps around the buckle bar and back to the snaps, rivets or Chicago screws, often 3 to 4 inches depending on the buckle and keeper. Then add the tip, the length that runs past the centre hole and through the keeper, often 6 to 8 inches. The calculator adds those to the belt size to give the length to cut; these allowances are typical starting points rather than standards, so measure your own buckle.
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Questions about this calculator
What size belt should I order for a 34 waist?
Usually a 36: the common rule is waist size plus 2 inches. If you have a belt that fits, measure from the buckle fold to the hole you use and order that size.
How far apart should belt holes be?
One inch is the most common spacing, with five holes centred on the belt size. Narrow dress belts sometimes use 3/4 inch.