How to Measure Curved Glass
The curved glass in your antique china cabinet looks very stylish. But what would you do if it cracks or completely shatters? It can be frustrating to order new glass to exact specifications. Whether you need to order the curved glass for cabinets, greenhouse windows or any other curved glass fixture, you need to know how to measure it. Measuring curved glass takes patience but the procedure is simple to learn. No matter what shape the curve glass following, these steps will provide the correct dimensions.
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Things You'll Need
- Calculator
- Tape measure (metal and/or cloth)
- Stick ruler
- Pen/pencil
- Paper
Instructions
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1
Use measurements from point to point. All measurements must be in the same standard.
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2
Stand on the concave side of the curved glass. Use the tape measure as a straight line (point to point) from one end to another end of the curved glass to find the distance. Write down this number, which will be labeled "chord" (C). Chord by definition is a straight line drawn between two points on a circle or curve. Divide the C number by two to find the midpoint measurement.
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3
Place the tape measure across the curved glass ends exactly as in Step 2. Place the stick ruler's edge at tape measure's C midpoint, making a right angle. The measurement from the curved glass to the tape measure on the stick ruler is your "depth of bend" (D). Write down this number and label it D.
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4
Use the algebraic formula to find the radius (R):
R = [D^2 + (C/2)^2] / 2*D
Substitute D and C with your measurement numbers to find R.
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5
Measuring the convex side of the curved glass, take the height and the width dimensions of the curved glass. Use a cloth (sewing) tape or a metal tape measure to measure the height from top to bottom on the frame's inside where the glass fits. Measure the width, the distance of the outside bend of the glass from one end to another all the way around.
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6
If you have an intact section of the bottom or top, carefully remove this and place it upright on a sheet of paper large enough to draw an outline completely around it using a pen or pencil. This pattern will represent the radius (curvature) and the width of the glass. Measure the height the same way as in Step 6.
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Tips & Warnings
Order the glass slightly shorter than the measurement to allow a little room for easier installation.
