How to Calculate Curtain Width

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Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure

  • Calculator

Curtains add personality to a room decor.

Curtains or drapes make a huge difference to the appearance and atmosphere in a room. Aside from furniture such as sofas and chairs, curtains could be the largest single swathe of pattern or fabric in a room. While carpets or flooring are often chosen to blend in with the decor, choosing curtains is where you can really let your personality show. Whether you're making curtains at home, having them custom-made, or buying ready-made curtains from a store, you'll need to know how wide a pair of curtains you need.

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Step 1

Measure the width of your track or pole and then add 6 inches to allow a little extra fabric for the curtains to overlap in the center.

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Step 2

Multiply the width of your curtain track, or pole, by 2½. This number multiplied by the width of the track is generally the calculated width for the most generous fullness in the finished curtains. Some curtains, such as tabbed top, have sufficient fullness if 1½ times the track or pole measurement.

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Step 3

Divide your multiplied track measurement by the width of the fabric you will use to make the curtains. If you get a fraction number after doing this calculation, round it up to the next whole number. This number represents how many fabric widths you need.

Tip

Write down each measurement as you take it. Keeping the measurements in your head, and doing the calculations at the same time, makes the task unnecessarily difficult.

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