Curtain Size Calculator
Calculate the perfect curtain length and width for your windows. Choose from sill, apron, café, floor-length styles with standard or deluxe fullness.
What is a Curtain Size Calculator?
A curtain size calculator helps you determine the correct length and width of curtains for your windows. By entering your window measurements and choosing your preferred curtain style and fullness, you get precise curtain dimensions that help you buy ready-made curtains with confidence.
Whether you want sill-length curtains for the kitchen, floor-length drapes for the living room, or extra-long curtains that pool elegantly on the floor, this calculator adjusts the length calculation for each style and accounts for rod placement and fullness preferences.
How to Measure Your Windows for Curtains
Accurate window measurements are the foundation of well-fitting curtains. Follow this guide:
- Measure the height: Measure from the top of the window frame to where you want the curtain to end. For floor-length curtains, measure to the floor. For sill-length, measure to the window sill. For apron-length, measure to just below the sill.
- Measure the width: Measure from the left outer edge of the window frame to the right outer edge.
- Decide on rod placement: Standard placement is 4 inches above the window frame. For rooms with high ceilings, 6 inches is recommended to make the window appear taller.
- Choose your fullness: Standard fullness (2x) works for most windows. Deluxe (2.5x) and Ultra (3x) create more dramatic, gathered looks.
Standard Curtain Sizes
Ready-made curtains typically come in standard lengths. The most common sizes are:
- Long curtains: 72", 84", 96", and 108" — for floor-length and puddling styles.
- Short curtains: 24" and 36" — for café, sill, and apron styles.
Use this calculator to find out which standard size is closest to your needs, or get the exact custom measurement for made-to-order curtains.
How the Calculation Works
The curtain length is calculated based on your chosen style:
- Sill, Apron, and Floor Length: Curtain length = window height + rod height above window.
- Cafe Length: Curtain length = window height / 2 — covers the bottom half of the window.
- Extra Long (Pools on floor): Curtain length = window height + rod height + 6" — the extra length creates a elegant pooling effect on the floor.
The curtain width is calculated by multiplying the window width by your chosen fullness factor: 2x for standard, 2.5x for deluxe, or 3x for ultra fullness. This ensures the curtains look full and luxurious even when closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide should curtains be for a 48-inch window?
For a 48-inch window with standard fullness (2x), curtains should be approximately 96 inches wide. With deluxe fullness (2.5x), aim for 120 inches. With ultra fullness (3x), go for 144 inches. These widths are typically split across two panels (one on each side).
What is the standard curtain length for floor-to-ceiling windows?
For floor-to-ceiling windows, standard curtain lengths are 84, 96, or 108 inches. The exact length depends on your ceiling height and where you mount the rod. For a 96-inch ceiling, 96-inch curtains mounted just below the ceiling will kiss the floor perfectly.
Should curtains touch the floor?
This depends on your style preference. Curtains can stop at the sill, kiss the floor (barely touching), break on the floor (1/2 to 1 inch of extra fabric resting on the floor), or puddle (2-6 inches pooling on the floor). Floor-length curtains that kiss the floor are the most popular and modern choice.
How high should I hang curtain rods?
Curtain rods should be hung 4-6 inches above the window frame, or closer to the ceiling for a dramatic effect. Hanging rods higher than the window makes the room feel taller and more spacious. A common rule is to place the rod halfway between the window frame and the ceiling.
What if my curtain length doesn't match standard sizes?
If your calculated curtain length doesn't match standard sizes, you have several options. You can adjust the rod height slightly to make a standard size work, or choose custom-made curtains. Another option is to buy curtains slightly longer and hem them, or buy longer curtains and mount the rod higher.
Need help with other home projects? Try the Curtain Panel Calculator for sewing your own curtains or the Tablecloth Size Calculator for dining room decor.