Drapery Measuring Instruction

Easily size up any room with our Curtain Measurement Finder Tool.

Step 1: Measure Your Window

  • Curtain rods or tracks are typically installed 6–10 inches above the window frame. Installing the rod closer to the ceiling is also a great option if you want to create a more spacious, elevated look.
  • Add extra width (normally 6-15 inches) on each side of the window frame for the curtains stack.

Note: If you want the entire window to remain exposed, be sure to account for the drapery stack.

Step 2: Determine the Curtain Panel Width

Pleated (Pinch Pleat, Triple Pleat, Tailor Pleat, Triple Tailor Pleat, Tape Pleat, Pinch Pleat with Back Tab, French Pleated):

  • Per Panel Width: Rod or track width x Pleat Fullness / Panel Quantity
  • Fullness: 1x, 1.5x, 2x

Soft Top (4-in-1, Back Tab, Flat Hook, Rod Pocket):

  • Per Panel Width: Rod or track width x Fullness / Panel Quantity
  • Fullness: 1x, 1.5x, 2x

Grommet (Black Grommet, Antique Bronze Grommet, Nickle Grommet, Aluminum Grommet):

  • Per Panel Width: Rod or track width x Fullness / Panel Quantity
  • Fullness: 1.8x, 2x
  • Inside grommet diameter 1.6 inches

Ripple Fold (Ripple Fold with Belt Hook):

  • Per Panel Width: Track width / Panel Quantity

Step 3: Determine the Curtain Panel Length

Pleated:

  • Per Panel Length: Curtain top where you want it to be to the floor + Bottom

Soft Top:

  • Per Panel Length: Top part above the rod + Top of the rod to floor + Bottom

Grommet:

  • Per Panel Length: Top part above the rod + Top of the rod to floor + Bottom

Ripple Fold:

  • Per Panel Length: Bottom of the track to floor + Bottom

Different Bottom Measurement:

  • 1 inch above the floor: -1''
  • Break on floor: 0
  • Slight puddle on floor: +1''

Read the Curtain Glossary before Measuring

Curtain Panel Type

Split Panel

  • Two equal curtain panels created by dividing one width into two. They open from the center.

Single Panel

  • One continuous curtain panel that draws to either the left or right. It can also be used decoratively as a stationary panel.

Curtain Fullness

Fullness refers to the ratio between the amount of fabric used and the width you intend to cover on your curtain track or rod. Using more fabric creates greater fullness, resulting in more elegant waves gathered at the top.

Soft Top Fullness

  • 1X Fullness: Completely flat. Not recommended.
  • 1.5X Fullness: Not sufficiently full unless the curtains are purely for covering the window
    and will not be frequently closed.
  • 2.0X Fullness: Our top recommendation. Creates a luxurious look with rich, abundant pleats.

Grommet Fullness

  • 1.8X Fullness: Offers a practical and attractive appearance.
  • 2.0X Fullness: Creates a luxurious look with rich, abundant waves.

To specify:

  • If you use a 42" w panel to cover a 42" w area, which is a 1x fullness, the curtains will look extremely flat.
  • If you go for an 84" w panel to cover the same area, making a 2x fullness. The curtains get a charming wavy look instantly.

Pleat Fullness

Pleat fullness is different from regular curtain fullness. Because pleats fold in part of the fabric, making pleated curtains already requires about double the fabric width. To create more pleats and a fuller look, we recommend adding an additional multiplier to your desired finished width. This gives the pleats a richer, more luxurious appearance.

  • 1X Fullness: Completely flat.
  • 1.5X Fullness: Not sufficiently full unless the curtains are purely for covering the window and will not be frequently closed.
  • 2.0X Fullness: Our top recommendation.Creates a luxurious look with rich, abundant pleats. Sheers look especially beautiful with this level of fullness.

Please note: The fullness shown in the images is for demonstration purposes and may vary based on the selected width and header style.

Curtain Bottom

Refers to curtain length — the way your curtains fall to the floor at different measurements.

  • 1 inch above the floor
    Curtains hang 1" above the floor for a clean, crisp look. Easier to vacuum and less likely to collect dust, pet hair, or debris. An excellent option for busy households.
  • Break on floor
    Curtains reach floor length, lightly touching the surface for a smooth, streamlined finish.
  • Slight puddle on floor
    Curtains extend 1" onto the floor, creating a soft, intentional puddle instead of hanging straight. Not recommended for curtains that are opened and closed frequently, as the extra fabric can collect dust more easily.

Curtain Stack Back

Stack Back Width

  • Refers to the drape width that stacks at each edge when fully open.
  • Minimizing the stack back width allows your curtains to sit aside and barely touch the windows or sliding doors. It makes for max light and view.

Stack Back Depth

  • Referring to the drape depth that curtains stack back when fully open.
  • Leaving enough space with the stack back depth in mind ensures a crisp look for your curtains to flush in with any hardware, including rod and cornice box.

Note:

  • The stack-back width is typically about 20% of the panel width you order.
  • The stack back measurement is an estimate and can vary depending on the bottom style, fabric, lining, and other curtain hardware.

Below are the stacking depth for different curtain header styles:

Responsive Table with Perfect Borders
Header Style Grommet Rod Pocket Pleated (All pleated style) Back Tab
Stack Back Depth 6 1/2 IN 1 1/4 IN 4 1/4 IN 4 IN

    • The stack-back size is an approximate measurement and may vary depending on the fabric, added linings, puddling, and the curtain rods, brackets, or rings used.