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).

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.
  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.

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).

Sources

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

Rules checked