Measure the Curtain Rod or Track Width
Measure the full usable width of the installed curtain rod or track rather than the window frame alone.
- Curtain Rod: Measure the usable width between the decorative finials.
- Curtain Track: Measure the full usable track length from end to end.
- If the hardware has not been installed, allow it to extend approximately 15–30 cm beyond the window on each side.
- Install the rod or track approximately 15–25 cm above the window frame when space allows.
Check the Curtain Header Style
Identify the curtain’s hanging style before calculating the required width and length.
- Grommet Top: The rod passes through the metal eyelets.
- Rod Pocket: The rod passes through a sewn fabric channel.
- Rings & Hooks: The curtain hangs below the rod or track using rings, carriers or hooks.
Check the product description to determine whether fullness is already built into the curtain width.
Check the product description to confirm how the curtain is designed to hang.
Calculate the Required Curtain Width
The required width depends on the curtain’s header construction and your preferred fullness.
- For Grommet Top, Rod Pocket and other flat-panel styles, the combined curtain width should generally be 1.5–2 times the rod or track width.
- Choose 1.5 times for moderate folds and a cleaner appearance.
- Choose 2 times for fuller folds and better coverage.
- For pleated or ripple-fold curtains, do not automatically multiply the width. Check whether the product already includes built-in fullness.
- If using two panels, divide the required total width between them.
Example: For a 60-inch rod, choose a combined panel width of approximately 90–120 inches.
Measure the Required Curtain Length
Measure vertically from the curtain’s actual hanging point to your preferred endpoint.
- Grommet Top or Rod Pocket: Measure from the top of the curtain rod.
- Rings & Hooks: Measure from the point where the hook attaches to the curtain.
- Curtain Track: Measure from the bottom of the track or carrier.
- For a clean floor-length look, leave approximately ½–1 inch (1–2.5 cm) between the curtain and the floor.
- Measure to the windowsill or below the sill if you prefer a shorter curtain.
Select the Closest Standard Size
Compare your measurements with the available ready-made curtain sizes.
- Confirm whether the dimensions are listed as Width × Length (W × L).
- Check whether the listed width applies to one panel or the complete set.
- If your required width falls between two sizes, choose the wider option.
- For floor-length curtains, avoid selecting a size that drags unintentionally.
- Measure each window separately, even if they appear to be the same size.
