Windows & Furnishings · 8 min read · Beginner

How to Measure for Curtains: Width, Drop, Fullness & Pattern Repeat

Measure curtains from the pole or track, choose the finished drop and understand fullness, fabric width and pattern repeat before buying fabric or ready-made curtains.

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Key points & steps

  1. Fit or decide the position of the curtain pole or track before taking the final curtain width measurement. Curtain width is normally based on the usable track or pole width, not just the glass or recess width.
  2. If positioning a new pole or track, allow enough projection either side of the window for coverage and for the curtains to stack back. Retail guidance commonly adds several centimetres each side, but brackets, finials and wall conditions affect the final position.
  3. Measure the usable pole width between finials, or the relevant track length, and record the heading style you intend to use.
  4. Choose the finished drop deliberately: sill length, below-sill or floor length all need different measurements and clearances.
  5. Follow the heading supplier’s fullness recommendation rather than assuming one universal multiplier. Pencil pleat, eyelet, pinch pleat and wave headings can require different fabric fullness.
  6. If making curtains, check the usable fabric width and calculate the number of full-width drops needed. Join widths where necessary rather than treating fabric as if it is sold by square metre.
  7. Add top and bottom heading/hem allowances to each cut drop, then round each drop up to the fabric pattern repeat where pattern matching is required.
  8. For pairs, plan how matched motifs will fall across both curtains before cutting expensive patterned fabric.

Practical tips

  • Measure the pole or track rather than the window for the final curtain width.
  • Pattern repeat can add a surprising amount of fabric because every cut drop may need to be rounded up to the next repeat.
  • Check whether a made-to-measure supplier asks for finished curtain size or window/pole measurements before entering an order.

What you may need

  • Metal tape measure
  • Pole or track dimensions
  • Heading type/fullness guidance
  • Fabric width and pattern repeat
  • Notebook or cutting plan

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