Curtain Panel Calculator

Window Width Measurement

For the most accurate curtain panel calculations, measure your window width properly:

• Rod width: If your curtain rod is already installed, measure the entire length of the rod from end to end. This is the preferred measurement.
• Window width plus extensions: If the rod isn't installed yet, measure the width of your window and add 8-12 inches on each side (16-24 inches total) to allow curtains to stack off the window when open.
• Tip: For bay windows or corner windows, measure each section separately and use separate rods.

Window Height Measurement

The height measurement determines how long your curtains should be:

• From rod to desired endpoint: Measure from where the top of the curtain will hang (usually the top of the rod) down to where you want the curtains to end.
• Standard lengths: Floor-length curtains typically end 1/2 inch above the floor, puddle curtains extend 1-3 inches onto the floor, and sill-length curtains end at the window sill or just below it.
• Tip: For uneven floors, measure at multiple points and use the shortest measurement to ensure curtains don't drag.

Additional Measurements

Don't forget these important measurements for complete curtain panels:

• Hem allowance: Typically 4-8 inches for a double-folded hem that gives weight and structure to the bottom of the curtain.
• Rod pocket size: Should be 1/2 to 1 inch larger than your curtain rod diameter to allow easy movement.
• Header allowance: The fabric above the rod pocket, typically 1-3 inches, which creates a decorative ruffle above the rod.

Curtain fullness refers to how much fabric is used in relation to the actual window or rod width. It determines how gathered or pleated your curtains will appear when closed.

Fullness Ratios Explained

• Light fullness (1.5×): Creates a more tailored, contemporary look with minimal gathering. Best for casual spaces, lightweight fabrics, or when fabric is expensive. Provides basic privacy and light control.
• Standard fullness (2×): The most common ratio, creating attractive folds and draping. Suitable for most home settings and fabric types. Balances appearance with fabric cost.
• Full appearance (2.5×): Creates a more luxurious look with deeper folds. Ideal for formal living spaces and medium to heavyweight fabrics. Provides better light blocking and insulation.
• Extra full (3×): Creates dramatic, lush folds for a high-end, opulent appearance. Perfect for formal settings, heavy fabrics, and when maximum light blocking is desired. Requires significantly more fabric.

Fullness by Hanging Method

Different curtain hanging methods require different fullness ratios for the best appearance:

• Rod pocket: 2-2.5× fullness recommended to create attractive gathering.
• Tab top: 1.5-2× fullness works well as the tabs create natural spacing.
• Grommet/eyelet: 1.5-2× fullness as the grommets create natural pleats.
• Pinch pleat: Already has fullness built into the pleats, typically 2.5-3× the flat fabric width.
• Ripple fold: Specifically engineered for 2-2.5× fullness with specialized hardware.

Rod Pocket Panels

The most common and simplest type of curtain panel, featuring a sewn channel (pocket) at the top that slides directly onto the curtain rod.

• Pros: Inexpensive, easy to make, creates a gathered look
• Cons: Difficult to open and close, requires removing from rod to wash
• Best for: Stationary panels, lightweight fabrics, casual settings
• Pocket size: Rod diameter + 1/2 inch for ease of movement

Tab Top Panels

Features fabric loops or tabs at the top that slide over the curtain rod, creating a relaxed, casual appearance.

• Pros: Easy to hang and remove, casual appearance, slides more easily than rod pocket
• Cons: Shows the rod, less formal, can sag with heavy fabrics
• Best for: Casual settings, country or rustic decor, lightweight to medium-weight fabrics
• Tab spacing: Typically 4-6 inches apart for proper support

Grommet/Eyelet Panels

Features metal rings embedded in the header that slide directly onto the rod, creating even, modern-looking pleats.

• Pros: Slides easily, creates uniform pleats, contemporary look
• Cons: Shows the rod, less formal, requires special grommet tools to make
• Best for: Contemporary spaces, frequently opened curtains, medium-weight fabrics
• Grommet size: Typically 1.5-2 inches in diameter, should be at least 1/2 inch larger than rod

Pinch Pleat Panels

Features evenly spaced, sewn pleats at the top that create a formal, tailored appearance with drapery hooks.

• Pros: Elegant, formal appearance, excellent fullness and draping
• Cons: More expensive, requires more fabric, more complex to make
• Best for: Formal settings, heavy fabrics, traditional decor
• Pleat types: 2-finger, 3-finger, goblet, box, and inverted pleats

Back Tab Panels

Features hidden tabs on the back of a header that create the appearance of a rod pocket from the front but with better movement.

• Pros: Hides the rod, creates soft pleats, slides more easily than rod pocket
• Cons: More complex to make than rod pocket, not as smooth-sliding as grommets
• Best for: Transitional decor, balance of formality and function

Fabric Weight Considerations

The weight of your fabric affects how your curtains hang and function:

• Lightweight fabrics: Sheers, voile, cotton blends, light linen. Create a breezy, casual look with good light filtration. Best for layering or spaces where light control is less important.
• Medium-weight fabrics: Cotton duck, polyester blends, medium linen, lightweight velvet. Provide a balance of drape and structure with moderate light blocking. Versatile for most rooms.
• Heavyweight fabrics: Velvet, brocade, tapestry, lined or interlined fabrics. Offer excellent draping, insulation, and light blocking. Best for formal spaces or where privacy and light control are priorities.

Functional Considerations

Choose fabric based on your curtain's primary function:

• Light filtering: Sheer or semi-sheer fabrics that allow light to pass through while providing minimal privacy.
• Privacy: Medium to heavyweight opaque fabrics that prevent people from seeing inside.
• Room darkening: Dense, tightly woven fabrics, often with special linings or treatments.
• Insulation: Heavier fabrics with thermal linings to help maintain room temperature.
• Sound absorption: Thick, plush fabrics like velvet that help dampen noise.

Popular Curtain Fabrics

• Cotton: Versatile, easy to clean, available in many weights and patterns. Good for casual to semi-formal settings.
• Linen: Natural, textured appearance with excellent drape. Tends to wrinkle and may fade in strong sunlight.
• Polyester: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and often less expensive. Available in many textures that mimic natural fibers.
• Silk: Luxurious with beautiful light reflection. Expensive and requires special care, often dry cleaning only.
• Velvet: Rich, heavyweight fabric with excellent light-blocking and insulating properties. Creates a formal, luxurious look.
• Blackout fabric: Specially treated to block light, often used as lining rather than as the main curtain fabric.

Rod Placement

Proper rod placement dramatically improves the appearance of your curtains:

• Height: Mount the rod 4-6 inches above the window frame to create the illusion of height. In rooms with low ceilings, you can mount them even higher, up to ceiling level.
• Width: Extend the rod 8-12 inches beyond each side of the window frame. This allows curtains to stack mostly off the window when open, maximizing light and making the window appear larger.
• Secure mounting: Ensure the rod is securely mounted into wall studs or using appropriate anchors, especially for heavy curtains. Use a level to ensure the rod is straight.

Hanging Techniques

Different hanging methods for different curtain types:

• Rod pocket: Remove finials, slide panels onto rod, distribute fabric evenly, replace finials.
• Tab top: Remove finials, slide tabs onto rod in sequence, adjust spacing, replace finials.
• Grommet: Remove one finial, thread rod through grommets alternating front to back for uniform pleats, replace finial.
• Pinch pleat: Insert drapery pins at marked points in the pleats, hang pins on rings or traverse rod carriers.
• Clip rings: Attach clips evenly across the top of the panel, then hang clips on the rod.

Finishing Touches

Perfect your curtain installation with these final steps:

• Train the folds: Arrange curtains in even folds when closed and tie loosely with ribbon for 1-2 days to set the pleats.
• Steam out wrinkles: Use a handheld steamer to remove wrinkles while curtains are hanging.
• Add weights: For lightweight fabrics, consider adding small weights to the bottom corners to improve hanging.
• Tiebacks: Install tiebacks approximately one-third of the way up from the bottom of the curtain for the most flattering look.
• Layering: Consider adding sheers behind heavier curtains for versatile light control and a more finished look.