Curtain Fabric Calculator
Free toolEnter your rail width, desired fullness and curtain drop to find out how many fabric widths and metres you need to buy.
Result
How to use it
- Measure the width of the rod or track and the drop, from the rod to where you want the curtain to reach.
- Choose the fullness and set the fabric width, the hem allowance and the pattern repeat if there is one.
- Read the number of panels and the metres of fabric you need to buy.
What it works out and how
Total fabric width is the rod width multiplied by the fullness, which ranges from 1.5 to 3 times. That width is divided by the fabric width to find how many panels have to be joined. The length of each panel is the drop plus the hem allowance plus the pattern repeat. The metres to buy are panels times panel length.
Frequently asked questions
Which fullness should I pick?
Twice the rod width is the usual choice. At 1.5 the curtain hangs flatter; 2.5 or 3 gives a very full look, typical of light sheers.
How much should I allow for hems?
It depends on the heading style, but 20 to 30 cm between the bottom hem and the heading is a common allowance.
Do I measure the window or the rod?
The rod. It usually extends past the window on each side so the open curtain does not cover the glass.