How to Measure for Curtains

Measure two things: the window's width, and the height from where the rod will go down to where the curtain should stop. Buy panels that add up to 1½ to 2 times the width, in the next standard length up (Wayfair).

Width × fullness, rod to floorThe size to buy

What to measure for curtains, to scaleFront view: rod 84½ in above the floor, 11½ in below the ceiling; 84 in panels.84½ in84 in11½ in
Drawn to scale, each grid square one foot. Left: curtain length. Right: rod height from the floor. Top: gap to the ceiling.

The rule

  • The rod runs 6 inches past each side of the window, 12 inches in total (Wayfair).
  • Mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the window frame (Wayfair, Linen Chest).
  • Floor-length curtains stop no more than half an inch above the floor (Wayfair).
  • Sill-length curtains stop about half an inch above the sill (Wayfair).
  • The panels together are 1.5 times (tailored) to 2 times (full) the window width (Wayfair).
  • Ready-made lengths come in bands, so buy the next length up and hem or hang it to fit (Wayfair).
  1. Window width. Measure the frame from outside edge to outside edge. The rod is 12 in longer: 6 in past each side (Wayfair).
  2. Rod height. Mark 4 to 6 in above the frame (Wayfair, Linen Chest).
  3. Length. Measure from the mark to the floor and take off ½ in, or to ½ in above the sill (Wayfair).
  4. Width of fabric. Multiply the window width by 1½ for a tailored look or 2 for full: a 48 in window needs 72 to 96 in.
  5. Buy. The next ready-made length up (63, 84, 96, 108, 120 in) and enough 48 in panels to reach the width.

Sources

  1. Wayfair: How to Measure for Curtains, checked
  2. Linen Chest: Curtain Sizes Guide, checked

Rules checked