How to Measure Curtains

Curtain sizing starts with the rod, not the window. Use the finder below, or follow the full step-by-step guide to get the right width, fullness and length for made-to-measure drapes. Measuring roller, roman, cellular or zebra shades instead? That is a different method — see How to Measure Shades.

Drapery Measuring Instruction

The EaseEase Measurement Finder simplifies your curtain measuring process, guiding you effortlessly through each step for a smooth, hassle-free experience. For a more in-depth, professional measurement, we’ve also prepared a detailed guide for you below.

How to Measure Curtains — Quick Answer

The EaseEase measuring method starts with the curtain rod width (not the window), then multiplies by 1.5–2× for fullness to get your total panel width. Mount the rod 6–8" above the window frame and extend it 6–12" past each side. For length, measure from the top of the rod to the floor and finish about 0.5" off the floor for a clean look, or add 1–3" to puddle.

  • Width: rod width × 1.5–2 (e.g. 100" rod → 150–200" of curtain).
  • Panels: divide total width by 2 for a pair (split-draw) look.
  • Length: top of rod → floor; 0.5" clearance standard.
  • Rod placement: 6–8" above frame, 6–12" beyond each side.
  • Measuring the curtain rod width and placement above the window

    Step 1: Measure the Curtain Rod Width and Placement

    If you have installed a curtain rod, measure the length of the rod.

    If a curtain rod is not installed, first check where the curtain rod will be installed above and to the sides of the window frame. Consider how high you want the rod to be to create the desired visual effect.

  • EaseEase standard curtain fullness (200–250%) for pleated and ripple-fold headers

    Step 2: Know EASEEASE Standard Fullness

    Pleated, Ripple Fold, and French-style Ruffled Top headers

    To prevent your drapes from looking flat like a stretched sheet, it’s important to consider adding fullness for extra width. We use 200-250% fabric fullness to create the pleats, ensuring the curtains have a rich and luxurious appearance.

    • 2x Fullness for Double Pleat and French-style Ruffled Top
    • 2.3x - 2.5x Fullness for Triple Pleat and Ripple Fold

    Other Headers

    The default fullness is 1 (or 100%), then you should consider multiply 150-200% fullness for final measured width. 150% fullness will produce a more tailored look, while 200% fullness, which is recommended will create a richer appearance.

  • Curtain at 1.0x fullness — flat, no gathers

    1.0X Fullness

  • Curtain at 1.5x fullness — light, tailored gathers

    1.5X Fullness

  • Curtain at 2.0x fullness — full, rich gathers

    2.0X Fullness

1 3
Pinch pleat curtain header diagram showing ordered panel width

Pleated Header

Per Panel Width When Pleats Are Sewn = the Width You Ordered

  • For instance, if your rod is 100" , you would order two panels, each panel 50" wide for Pleat heading style.
  • The width of the drapery panel is measured from the first pleat on the left to the last pleat on the right when the curtain is fully extended, not when it's stacked.
  • The length is measured from the top to the bottom of the curtain.
  • The fabric fullness: Double 200% , Triple 230%-250%
  • When stacked, the curtain width will be about 15~20% of the width you ordered.
  • The pleats are sewn in place and cannot be adjusted.
Calculate Pleats
Ripple fold drapery diagram showing finished width after ripples

Ripple Fold

  • Finished Width in Inch = Your Ordered Width
  • The width you specify will be the finished width with the ripple waves.
  • Finish width measures the drapery panel after the ripple folds are made, not when the fabric is fully stretched.

Available in panel or pair choice, for example, when track length is 100":

  • If you select panel, and specify the width in 100", you will receive a single panel of 100 inches curtain(finished width after ripples are created).
  • Fabric fullness: 250%
  • 10-15 inches when stacked(account for 20-30% of panel width you order)
  • Length is measured from the hook on the track to the bottom.
Grommet top curtain diagram with 1.6-inch grommets and panel width

Grommet Header

Single Panel Width when fully extended = Your Order Width

  • For example, if your rod length is 100“, for grommet header style, if you choose 2x fullness and split panels, the total width you need is 100”*200% = 200“, then you need to order 2 panels, each 100 inches width.
  • Length should be measured from the TOP of the rod down to your preferred end point.
  • Grommet 1.6 inches inner diameter.
  • Recommended Fabric fullness: 200%
  • Stacked width accounts for around 20% of panel width after folds.
Calculate Grommets
Soft top curtain header (back tab / rod pocket / tab top) diagram

Soft Top Header

Per Panel Width When fully extended = the Width You Ordered

  • Including Back Tab, Rod Pocket, and Tab Top Header
  • For instance, if your curtain rod is 100" and you want 200% fullness for pleats, order two panels. Each panel should be 100" wide, totaling 200" for Soft Top Back Tab heading style.
  • The length is measured from the TOP of rod to the bottom of the curtain.
  • Recommended fabric fullness: 200%.
  • When stacked, the curtain width will reduce to approximately 15–20% of the width you ordered.

Finding The Perfect Fit

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

  • 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

  • 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 10%-20% of the panel width you order. It is an estimate and can vary depending on the bottom style, fabric, lining, and other curtain hardware.

Header Style Comparison — How Order Width Works

Header Style

What “Order Width” Means

Recommended Fullness

Stacked Width

Pinch Pleat

Order = finished sewn width per panel (e.g. 100" rod → two 50" panels).

Double 200% / Triple 230–250%

~15–20% of ordered width

Ripple Fold

Order = finished width after ripples (the width you specify is what you get).

250%

~20–30% of panel width

Grommet

Order = fully-extended panel width; split panels for a pair (rod × fullness ÷ 2).

200% (1.6" grommet inner Ø)

~20% of panel width

Soft Top (Back Tab / Rod Pocket / Tab Top)

Order = fully-extended width per panel (e.g. 100" rod, 200% → two 100" panels).

200%

~15–20% of ordered width

Tip: Fullness is the multiplier that prevents drapes from looking flat. Lighter fabrics need more fullness; heavier fabrics fold well with less.

Not sure which header to pick? Read our guide: How to Choose a Drapery Header Style

Determine Width: A Worked Example

  • Pleated Style: Single Panel Width = Rod or track width ÷ Panel Quantity
  • Soft Top Style: Per Panel Width = Rod or track width × Fullness ÷ Panel Quantity
  • Grommet Style: Single Panel Width = Rod or track width × Fullness ÷ Panel Quantity
  • Ripple Fold Style: Single Panel Width = Track Width ÷ Panel Quantity
Header Style

Pleated Style

Soft Top Style

Grommet Style

Ripple Fold Style

Window Frame Overall Width (inches)

90

90

90

90

Rod / Track Full Length, End to End (inches)

100

100

100

100

Fullness Ratio

2x–2.5x (default)

① 1.5x

② 2x

① 1.8x

② 2x

2x (default)

Panel Quantity (panels)

2

① 2

② 2

① 2

② 2

① 1

② 2

Single Panel Width to Order (inches)

50

① 75

② 100

① 90

② 100

① 100

② 100 in pair (50 per panel)

① and ② are the two common fullness options for that header style — pick one and read straight down the column. Every figure in this example assumes a 90" window with a 100" rod or track.

Stack-Back Depth by Header Style

Stack-back depth is how far the folded fabric projects from the wall when the curtain is hanging. Use it to choose a rod or track with enough projection, so the panels clear the window frame, a blind behind them, or a radiator below.

Header Style

Grommet

Rod Pocket

Pleated (all pleated styles)

Back Tab

Ripple Fold

Stack-Back Depth

6 1/2 in

1 1/4 in

4 1/4 in

4 in

4 1/4 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.

Scope & What This Guide Does Not Cover

These instructions apply to standard rectangular windows measured in inches for custom (made-to-measure) curtains and drapes. They are not sizing rules for ready-made/standard-panel curtains, they do not replace the specific ordering width for each header style (see the comparison above), and they do not apply to shades — shades are measured from the window opening and hang flat (see How to Measure Shades). For arched, bay, corner/L-shaped, skylight, or extra-wide/extra-long windows, follow our dedicated guides, and when in doubt use EaseEase’s Free Design Service.

Curtain Measuring FAQ

How wide should curtains be compared to the window?

Curtains should be 1.5–2× the curtain rod width, so a 60" rod needs 90–120" of total panel width for full, even folds.

Do I measure the window or the curtain rod?

Always measure the curtain rod (not the window), because the rod extends past the frame and determines your true finished width.

How many curtain panels do I need?

For a center-split pair, divide your total required width by two; for one-way draw on narrow windows a single panel is enough.

How high above the window should I hang the rod?

Mount the rod 6–8" above the window frame (or near the ceiling for low headers) to make the window look taller.

How far off the floor should curtains be?

Finish about 0.5" above the floor for a clean “kiss” look, or add 1–3" if you want the fabric to puddle.

For custom curtains, do I order the rod width or the finished width?

It depends on the header: pleated and ripple-fold orders use the finished (sewn) width, while grommet and soft-top orders use the fully-extended width × your fullness.

How do I measure for an extra-wide or odd-shaped window?

Split the width across multiple panels and use our Free Design Service to verify sizing for bay, corner/L-shaped, arched, or extra-long windows before ordering.

EaseEase Curtain Tips & Tricks

View all
View all
1 4