How to Measure for Curtains
Your curtain measuring guide.
If you are looking to purchase new drapes for your home, you may need a little help with picking the right size. This guide is here to teach you how to measure for curtains and ensure the perfect fit for your desired aesthetic.
Step 1: Measure the Window Width
The first step of measuring for curtains is to calculate the total width of your window. This will be helpful when determining how many curtain panels you need for full coverage. Follow these steps to find the width of your window:
Measure the Edges: Measure from the outside edge of one window casing to the other (left to right). For accuracy, measure the width along the bottom of the window. Depending on the size of the window, you might need a helper to hold one of the sides of the measuring tape.
Calculate Panel Width: Record the total width and then add 6" per side or 12" in total. Take this total number and divide it by the number of panels you wish to order (this is usually two). Each panel should have at least a minimum width of your final number. The total width should be no less than 1.5x the width of your window.
Example: If your window measures 48", add 12" for a total of 60". If you want to have two panels, divide 60 by two, which will equal 30", meaning the curtain size for each individual panel should have a minimum width of 30" to ensure full coverage across the window. Considering four curtain panels? Each individual panel will need to be 15" wide in order to cover the 60" window.
Note: Most often, the total width of all your curtain panels should be double that of your window in order to completely cover the window when the curtains are closed.
Step 2: Pick a Rod Mounting Location
Next, you need to determine how high you want to hang your curtains. The best height will depend on your style preferences as well as the amount of curtain length necessary to cover the window top-to-bottom from the mounting location.
Mark the Rod Placement: Determine how far above your window you want to mount your curtain rod. Measure upward from the top of the window frame to your desired hanging location and mark that spot. This will be the starting point for your height measurement.
Placement Guidelines: As a general rule, we recommend that you mount the curtain rod 4" – 6" above your window frame. To make your ceilings appear higher, you can hang curtains 6" – 12" above the window frame.
Tip!
For more specific tips on choosing the right curtain rod size, review How to Measure for Curtain Rods.
Step 3: Measure Downward From the Mounting Spot
Taking your tape measure, start at the point you marked above your window frame for the curtain rod. Hold the front of your measuring tape on this spot and measure to the bottom of the windowsill or all the way to the floor (wherever you want the bottom of your curtains to reach). Record the total height – this will be your ideal curtain length.
Bear in mind, there are other types of curtains which have recommended curtain lengths.
Valence Curtain Length
Window valances and kitchen curtains are also known as top window treatments and should hang over the top quarter or 10" – 30" of a window. Valances are best suited for curtain rods that are mounted on the outside of the window frame as opposed to the inside, but they also work well for bay windows. They are most frequently installed over a sink, though they can also be placed over top of full curtains to create a luxurious aesthetic and add visual height to a window.
Tip!
If you are interested in finding out about valances or curtain sizes for bay windows, read our guides, How to Choose the Best Bay Window Curtains and What Is a Valance & Do You Need One?.
Sill-length curtains are the shortest of the standard-length curtain sizes and should fall about 1/2" above the windowsill itself. They offer a more informal style and work well for small windows, for windows above counters, or in areas where a longer length would be hidden by furniture.
Tip!
Before you make your purchase, be sure to measure both sides of the window and ensure the sill is straight. If it is not, this will be made noticeable by the sill-length curtains – in which case, you would do better with a longer curtain size.
Floor-Length Curtain Length
Floor-length curtains should fall no more than 1/2" above the floor. The standard curtain width should be about double the width of your window. For a more tailored look, you can multiply the width by 1.5. Since they don't touch the floor, these curtains hang straight down and create an elongated look that makes your room feel taller. They work well in most rooms and are best suited as curtains that will be opened and closed daily.
Pooled Curtain Length
"Pooled" or "puddled" curtains collect on the floor, giving a romantic look. They require an extra 6" – 12" added to your floor-length curtains to allow the excess fabric to pool on the floor. Pooled curtains look best on tall windows where you wish to make a statement, and they can also be used to disguise an uneven floor. These curtains are most ideal for aesthetic purposes only, rather than as curtains that will be opened and closed regularly.
Step 4: Choose the Ideal Curtain Length
Now that you have measured the total curtain hanging height for the look you want, you can browse for ready-to-order curtains of the same length. Remember, you can always purchase slightly longer curtains and adjust the placement of the curtain rod to achieve the right length. When in doubt, it's helpful to choose curtains that are slightly longer rather than shorter. Here are ready-made curtain sizes to check out:
- Curtain Lengths 64" & Below
- Curtain Lengths Between 65" & 74"
- Curtain Lengths Between 75" & 84"
- Curtain Lengths Between 85" & 94"
- Curtain Lengths Between 95" & 104"
- Curtain Lengths Between 105" & 114" *
Tip!
Read our guide How to Pick the Right Curtain Size for Your Window for more tips on choosing a compatible curtain height/width, and review How to Hang Curtains for a list of supplies and installation help.
