How to Calculate the Curtain Fabric You Need: A Step-by-Step Guide

Accurately calculating curtain fabric quantity saves you extra cost or an embarrassing shortage at the last minute. Here's a practical way to calculate it.

Step one: measure the window

Measure the window's width and height accurately, deciding where you want the curtain to start and end (right above the frame, or higher for a sense of height, and down to the sill or the floor).

Step two: calculate the required width

For nice, full-looking pleats, usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the window (or rod) width is added, depending on how dense you want the pleats. The higher the multiplier, the fuller and more lavish the curtain looks.

Step three: add height for hemming

Add about 15-20 cm extra to the height for hemming the top edge (to hold the rod or rings) and the bottom edge.

Step four: calculate the number of panels

Divide the total required width by the fabric roll's width (varies by type, usually 140-150 cm) to know how many panels you need, then multiply by the required height per panel to get the total quantity in meters.

A rough example

For a 2-meter-wide window, wanting medium pleat density (multiplier 2), you'd need a total fabric width of 4 meters. If the roll width is 1.5 meters, you'd need about 3 panels, each the length of the required curtain plus a hemming margin.

A final tip

This is a general rough calculation — exact numbers vary by hemming style and fabric. For an accurate calculation for your window, share the measurements with us and we'll help determine the right quantity.