Curtain Fabric Calculator

Enter window size, curtain length, and fullness — get exact fabric yardage for your curtains

Calculate exactly how much fabric you need for custom curtains.

🪟 Curtain Measurements

Window Width (in)

Curtain Length (in)

Fullness

Number of Panels

Fabric Settings

Fabric Width

Pattern Repeat (in)

Hem + Header (in)

About This Tool

Making your own curtains saves money and gives you unlimited fabric choices. But how much fabric do you actually need? Too little and you can't finish the project. Too much and you've wasted money. This calculator takes your window measurements and curtain style preferences to give you the exact yardage. It accounts for fullness (how gathered you want the curtains), hem allowances, and rod pocket or header. For patterned fabric, enter the repeat to ensure you have enough for matching.

How to Use

1. Measure your window width (where the rod will go) 2. Decide on curtain length (sill, below sill, or floor) 3. Select fullness — 2× is standard, 2.5-3× for luxury 4. Choose number of panels (usually 2 for a pair) 5. Enter your fabric width (check the bolt) 6. Add pattern repeat if using a print

Formula

Total width = Window width × Fullness Panel width = Total width / Number of panels Cut length = Desired length + 12" (hems + header) If pattern repeat: Cut length = ceiling(Cut length / Repeat) × Repeat Cuts per panel = ceiling(Panel width / Usable fabric width) Total yardage = (Cuts × Cut length × Panels) / 36

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fullness do curtains need?

Standard fullness is 2× the window width — a 48" window needs 96" of fabric width total. Minimal fullness (1.5×) works for casual styles. For formal, luxurious drapes, use 2.5-3×. Sheer curtains often need 3× fullness to avoid looking sparse.

How much extra length for hems?

Add 8-12 inches to your desired finished length. A typical bottom hem is 4-6 inches (doubled), and the top needs 3-4 inches for rod pocket or header. For a floor-length curtain of 84 inches finished, cut at 96 inches.

How do I measure for floor-length curtains?

Measure from the rod (or where the rod will be) to the floor. For a 'kiss' (just touching floor), use that measurement. For 'puddle' curtains, add 2-6 inches. For 'break' (slight puddle), add 1 inch. Don't forget to add hem and header allowances to these measurements.