Guide · Measure
How to Measure for Curtains
Four numbers decide which curtains you need: the width of the rod, how full you want the curtains, how long they should hang, and how many panels that makes. All you need is a steel tape measure, a pencil and, for tall windows, a step ladder.
Before you measure: place the rod
Both measurements start at the rod, so put it up first, or mark where it will go. Mounting it higher and wider than the window frame makes the window look larger and lets open curtains clear the glass. Our guide to hanging curtains has the usual heights: 3–6 in. above the window for a classic look, or 2 in. below the ceiling for a dramatic one.
1. Width: measure the rod
Measure the rod from finial to finial, not the glass. If the rod is not up yet, measure the width you marked for it.
2. Fullness: decide how gathered
Curtains look best gathered, not stretched flat. Multiply the rod width by 1.5 for a tailored look, or by 2 for a fuller, more generous one. That total is the curtain width you need across all panels.
- ExampleA 60 in. rod × 1.5 = 90 in. of curtain. With 38 in. wide panels that is 3 panels (114 in.); for × 2 (120 in.), 4 panels.
At The Home Depot, most Lights Out panels are listed at 38 in. wide; Sasha, Pleated Stripe and Leaf Embroidery sheers at 52 in., and Valencia at 40 in. Each style page lists its sizes.
3. Length: from the top of the rod
Measure from the top of the rod down to where you want the curtain to end.
- SillThe hem touches the window sill.
- Below sillThe hem falls a few inches past the sill, over the wall.
- FloatingThe hem stops 1–3 in. above the floor, brushing it.
- FloorThe hem just dusts the floor.
- PuddleAdd 1–3 in. so the hem rests on the floor.
Grommet panels slide straight onto the rod through metal rings; rod pocket panels take the rod through a sewn sleeve at the top. Each style's listing title at The Home Depot names its header, grommet or rod pocket.
Pick a standard length
Ready-made curtains come in set lengths. Choose the one closest to your measurement, then move the rod up or down an inch or two so the hem lands where you want it.
| Length | Often used for | Lights Out styles in this length |
|---|---|---|
| 63 in. | Sill or below-sill, small windows | Paloma, Alona |
| 84 in. | Floor length with a rod just above a standard window | Every style listed online |
| 95 in. | Floor length with a rod mounted higher | Fairfax, Paloma, Trellis, Alona, Voile |
| 108 in. | Tall windows and high ceilings | Paloma, Hayden |
Lengths as listed at The Home Depot; not every colour comes in every length.
4. How many panels
Divide the curtain width from step 2 by the width of one panel and round up. Our measuring guide gives this count by window width:
| Window width | You will need |
|---|---|
| Up to 29 in. | 1 panel |
| 30–39 in. | 2 panels |
| 40–48 in. | 2–3 panels |
| 49–72 in. | 3–4 panels |
| 73–96 in. | 4–5 panels |
| 97–120 in. | 5–6 panels |
| 121–144 in. | 6–7 panels |
Some listings are single panels and some are pairs or sets of 4, so check the pack before you count.
Quick checklist
- Rod up, or its position marked.
- Rod width, finial to finial.
- × 1.5 or × 2 for fullness.
- Length from the top of the rod to the hem you want.
- Nearest standard length, then panels: curtain width ÷ panel width, rounded up.
Next: choose by light, from sheer to 100% blackout, or see all styles.