FAQs About Measuring for Curtains

To measure accurately your windows for curtains, you need to perform a few basic steps that can save you a lot of time. First, get off to a good start by choosing a steel measuring tape. You cannot rely on the accuracy of tapes that are made of cloth or plastic. Make sure that your measurements are precise and do not round up but use the lower quarter inch. Remember to mark on your notes which measure is for length and which is for width.

Q: How do you measure the width of a window?

A: You find the width of the window by measuring from edge to edge of the frame, not the glass. Then add from three to six inches on each side to accommodate the length of the curtain rod. You need to double or triple the measurement that you get to allow as much fullness as you want. When you go to the store to make your purchase, tell the drapery clerk how you arrived at your measurements.

Q: How do you measure the height of a window?

A: Measure the window from top down to however long you want your curtains to stop, starting six inches above the window frame because that is where the curtain rod mounts. You may want to adjust how far the rod sits above the window later, but allow for it to sit at least three inches above the window frame. Curtains come in standard lengths, so choose the one that is closest to your measurement.