How to Measure For Curtains the Right Way

Getting your curtain measurements wrong is the fastest way to make your space feel awkward. Too short, and they look unfinished. Too narrow, and they don’t fully block light or offer privacy.

This guide will walk you through each step of the measuring process. By the end, you’ll feel confident about what size curtains to buy and how to hang them.

What you’ll need:

• Metal tape measure
• Notepad or phone for recording measurements
• Pencil or painter’s tape (optional, for marking)

Know What You’re Measuring For

Before you grab the tape measure, it helps to understand what you're planning for. Your measurements will depend on a few key decisions:

Curtain Panels vs. Drapes

• Curtain panels are typically lightweight and used for decorative or light-filtering purposes. They’re sold as single panels and often paired for full coverage.
• Drapes are usually heavier, lined, and designed to block more light. They're ideal for privacy, insulation, or blackout purposes.

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

• Inside mount means hanging your curtains inside the window frame. It’s a clean, built-in look but requires precise sizing.
• Outside mount means installing the rod above or beyond the window frame. This gives the illusion of larger windows and helps block more light.

Types of Curtain Rods

• Standard rods: The most common option—available in adjustable widths and used for most setups.
• Tension rods: No hardware required. Best for inside mounts on small windows (like in bathrooms).
• Track systems: Mounted to the ceiling or wall. Great for wide windows or a sleek, modern look.
• Kwik-Hang brackets: No drilling, no level needed. Just tap into the top of your window trim for a secure and damage-free install.

Once you’ve decided on your curtain style, mounting type, and rod, it’s time to start measuring, beginning with the width.

Read more: How to Choose the Right Curtain Rod

1. Measure Curtain Width

Start by measuring the width of your window to determine how wide your curtains should be. Your ideal curtain width depends on the fullness you want—that is, how gathered or luxurious the curtains look when closed.

Use these general guidelines:

• Standard fullness: 2× the window width
• Deluxe fullness: 2.5× the window width
• Maximum fullness: 3× the window width

Tip: Never buy curtains that match your window’s exact width. For example, a 45" curtain on a 45" window will look tight and unfinished.

Also, make sure your curtain rod extends 3–6 inches past the window frame on each side. This allows curtains to clear the glass when open, maximizing natural light.

Read more: How to Measure, Choose and Hang Extra-Long Curtain Rods

1. Measure Curtain Length (Drop)

Curtain length depends on both your window size and the style you want to achieve.

For Shorter Windows:

• Sill length: Curtains hover just above the windowsill. Measure from the top of the window frame to ½ inch above the sill.
• Apron length: Curtains extend slightly below the window casing. Measure from the top of the window frame to 1 inch below the sill.

For Floor-Length Styles:

• Hover length: Curtains hover just above the floor. Measure from the top of the window frame to 1 inch above the floor.
• Kiss: Curtains graze the floor for a clean, tailored finish. Measure from the top of the curtain rod (not the frame) to the floor, and include the curtain ring height if you’re using them.

For a More Dramatic Look:

• Break: Curtains gently touch the floor with a slight bend at the bottom. Measure from the top of the window frame to the floor and add 1 inch.
• Puddle: Curtains pool on the floor for a dramatic, romantic feel. Measure from the top of the window frame to the floor, then add extra length:
  • Minimal puddle: Add 1–3 inches
  • Moderate puddle: Add 3–6 inches
  • Opulent puddle: Add 6–8 inches

Learn more: Curtain Length Rules

1. Double-Check Your Measurements

When it comes to curtains, there’s no room for guesswork—especially if you’re ordering custom or tailored panels.

Before you buy or hang anything, take a moment to double-check:

• Did you measure width with enough fullness?
• Did you measure length from the correct starting point (rod or frame)?
• Did you factor in the type of mount and rod you’ll be using?
• Did you write it all down clearly?

Poorly fitting curtains are tricky to fix—and easy to spot once they’re up.

Now that you’ve nailed the measuring part, you're halfway there. Next up: hanging your curtains—and Kwik-Hang makes that part effortless.

Curtain Measuring Example

Curtain style: Hover

Window width: 36 inchesMedium curtain fullness: 36 inches x 2 =72 inches wide

Window height (from the top of the frame to the floor): 96 inchesHover curtain style: subtract ½ inchCurtain height: 96 inches minus ½ inch = 95 ½ inches long.

Curtain Measurements: Your curtains should be 72 inches wide × 95-½ inches long.

Standard curtain length sizes are 63, 84, 95, 108 and 120 inches. If the length you need falls between any of these measurements, go one size longer and have the curtains tailored to fit.

If you’re using curtain rings, make sure to account for their length in your calculations.

Read more: Curtain Style Guide: 15 Types of Curtains for Your Home

Curtains Minus the Complexity

With Kwik-Hang’s no-drill, damage-free curtain rod brackets, measuring is the hardest part. The rest is simple! Just place the brackets on top of the window trim, tap them in and hang your curtains.

Installation takes minutes and doesn’t require any drilling. Kwik-Hang’s curtain rod brackets fit most sizes of windows with trim. Hang curtains quickly and effortlessly with no drills, nails or damage.

Don’t let hanging curtains stress you out. Try Kwik-Hang today!