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Curtain Size Calculator

Work out the rod length, how many ready-made panels to buy and how long they should be, in inches or centimeters.

Size your curtains

Units
Curtain length

Measure across the outside of the trim.

Blank = 6 in. Wider lets open curtains clear the glass.

From where the rod will hang down to the floor.

Blank = 50 in. Check the width on the package.

Fullness

Common window widths

6 in overhang each side, 2× fullness, 50 in panels
WindowRodTotal widthPanels
36 in48 in96 in2
48 in60 in120 in3
60 in72 in144 in3
72 in84 in168 in4
96 in108 in216 in5

How to measure

  1. Use a steel tape measure; cloth tapes stretch.
  2. Measure the window width across the outside edges of the trim.
  3. Decide where the rod will go, then measure down from that point to the sill or the floor.
  4. Check the width of one panel on the package. If you leave it blank, the calculator assumes 50 in.

The rod length does not include finials. The number of panels is the total width divided by one panel’s width, rounded up.

Frequently asked questions

How wide should curtains be?

Together, the panels should be about 1.5 to 2 times the width they cover, or 2.5 to 3 times for sheers. Measure against the rod length, not just the glass.

How far past the window should the rod go?

Rods typically extend about 6 to 12 inches past the window frame. This calculator adds 6 inches on each side by default; go wider if you want open curtains to clear the glass.

How long should floor-length curtains be?

Measure from the rod to the floor. Subtract about ½ inch for curtains that float just above the floor, add 1 to 2 inches for a slight break, or 3 to 6 inches to let them pool.

How high should I hang the rod?

A common guide is a little more than halfway, or about two-thirds of the way, between the top of the window and the ceiling. Hanging higher makes the window look taller.

Sources and last updated

  • Rod overhang, rod height, fullness and floor lengths: The Shade Store, How to Measure for Curtains
  • The 6 in default overhang uses the low end of that range on each side. The 50 in panel width is our assumption; check your product.

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