How to Measure for Curtains

Step 1: measure or plan the hardware

If the pole or track is already installed, measure its usable span. On a pole, measure between the finials. On a track, measure the full running length, including any overlap arm designed to bring two curtains together at the centre.

If the hardware is not fitted, measure the window recess and plan an extension of roughly 15–30 cm on each side where space allows. Positioning hardware above and beyond the recess helps cover light gaps and lets the fabric stack away from the glass.

Step 2: choose the fullness

Fullness describes how much wider the flat fabric is than the space it covers. At 2× fullness, a 180 cm pole uses 360 cm of combined curtain width. A pair therefore needs panels approximately 180 cm wide each.

Use 1.5× for a relaxed appearance or bulky fabric, 2× for a dependable standard result, and 2.5× for deeper folds. Check the recommended fullness for wave tracks, fixed pinch pleats and other made-to-measure headings before ordering.

• 1.5×: lighter folds and less stack-back.
• 2×: balanced everyday fullness.
• 2.5×: richer folds and more fabric at the sides.

Step 3: measure the finished drop

The starting point changes with the heading. Pencil-pleat curtains on rings are commonly measured from the ring eye; eyelet curtains are measured from the top of the pole with a small allowance for fabric above it; tracks are measured from the glider or the top of the track according to the system.

Measure to the chosen endpoint: around 1 cm above the floor for a clean full-length finish, 10–15 cm below the sill for below-sill curtains, or just above the sill. Measure in three places because floors, sills and fitted poles may not be level.

Step 4: check what the package width means

Ready-made curtains may be sold as a pair or as individual panels. A label showing 168 × 229 cm can mean each panel is 168 cm wide, but this is not universal. Confirm the contents before comparing the package with your combined-width result.

For made-to-measure curtains, submit the pole or track width and finished drop exactly as requested by the maker. They will often calculate fabric fullness themselves, so do not multiply the order width unless the form specifically asks for flat fabric width.

Final checks before ordering

Check radiators, furniture and deep window sills that could push the fabric outward. Consider whether floor-length curtains will cover a heat source, and follow the heating appliance manufacturer’s clearance guidance.

Write down every measurement with its unit and photograph the tape in position. A second measurement on a different day is surprisingly effective at catching a transposed number before it becomes an expensive custom order.