Curtain fabric calculator: metres for any window
Free tool
Enter your window width, curtain drop, fullness and fabric width. You get the metres of fabric to buy and the rod length to order.
Window details
How the curtain fabric calculator works
The rod should extend about 6 inches past each side of the window, so curtains stack off the glass. The finished curtain width is that rod length multiplied by the fullness. Fabric is bought in widths, so the tool counts how many widths you need, then multiplies by the cut length: your drop plus the hem and header allowance.
Formula: widths = (window width + 12 in) × fullness ÷ (fabric width − 2 in), rounded up and made even for pairs. Metres = widths × (drop + allowance) ÷ 39.37.
Choosing fullness
| Fullness | Look |
|---|---|
| 1.5× | Flat, tailored, modern |
| 2× | Standard soft folds for most rooms |
| 2.5× | Rich folds, or sheers and voiles |
Questions, answered
How much fabric do I need for a 5 ft wide window?
For a 60-inch window with an 84-inch drop, 2× fullness and 54-inch fabric, you need about 10 metres of fabric for a pair (4 widths of 96 inches). Change the numbers above for your own window.
What is curtain fullness?
Fullness is how much wider the fabric is than the area it covers. Fabric 2× the rod width gives standard soft folds.
How far should curtains hang below the rod?
Most people measure from the rod to just above the floor, about half an inch clear. Enter that as the drop.
Do I add anything for stitching?
Yes. The 12 inch default covers an 8 inch hem and a 4 inch heading. Ask your tailor if your heading style needs more.
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