Does anyone know how to calculate how many 8 x 8 squares it takes to make a Queen size quilt??

You need to know the finished size and whether you are placing borders on your quilt and what size.

Divide the width of the center of the quilt by 8. Divide the length of the center part of the quilt by 8. Mulitply the two answers and that will tell you how many squares you need.

The center measurement should be before borders are added.

Is it an 8 inch finished square or 7 1/2 finished? Do you want a drop or just to cover the top of the bed? There are several charts on the net that will give you the finished quilt size. You may just want to measure the bed and the drops. I have a queen size bed and with drops almost to the floor on THREE sides, it is 104 by 94. So in my case you would need 12 times 13 of the 8 inch finished squares which is 156 squares.

you can get (4) 8" strips from a yard of fabric; (leaving 4")...you can get (5) 8" squares from the width of your 8" strips (based on 40" of usable fabric.) so you can get (20) 8" squares from each yard of fabric. if you sew 10 of those squares together you will have a row 70" x 8"...
one of the things about quilting...there is always alot of math!

How did you guys learn all this!! WOW...I am soo amazed! I am going to study up and make me a quilting notebook. Thanks for all yourhelp.

a quilting notebook/journal is a very good idea...also it sometimes makes the math easier when you sketch out your design on graph paper...then all you have to do is add 1/2" measurements to each piece for the seam allowance. decide the size you want your quilt top to be, frame that size on the graph paper then start adding your blocks/design inside the frame. there is alot of geometry involved in quilt making, (you really do use this stuff after school's out) there are formulas to learn. so, pull out that notebook and start your quilting adventure!