How To Measure Curtains

Measuring a window with a pole

Diagram showing how to measure a curtain pole: width A and drop B
A

WidthThe length of the pole. Measure the distance between the decorative finials at each end.

B

DropThe curtain eye drop. Measure the distance from the bottom of the rings to where you would like your curtain to finish.

Applies to: Pencil Pleat, Gathered Heading, Single Pleat, Double Pleat, Triple Pleat, Wave Curtains, Cottage Pleat, Deep Pleat, Silent Gliss and Tailored Fold. Tips for curtain length and puddling »

Exceptions: Tab Top, Eyelet and Rod Pocket curtains are measured from the very top of the pole.

Measuring a window with a curtain track

Diagram showing how to measure a curtain track: width A and drop B
A

WidthThe length of the track. Measure the total length of the track.

B

DropThe curtain drop. Measure the distance from the eye of the glider to where you would like your curtain to finish.

Tips for curtain length and puddling »

Measuring heading height

Only applies to Pencil Pleat, Single Pleat, Double Pleat, Triple Pleat, Cottage Pleat, Tailored Fold, Deep Pleat and Gathered Heading curtains.

Diagram showing how to measure heading height on a curtain pole Diagram showing how to measure heading height on a curtain track
Heading height + Drop = Overall curtain length
For example, a Pencil Pleat curtain with a heading height of 3 cm and a drop of 220 cm would have an overall length of 223 cm.

The heading height is the distance from the eye to where you would like the top of your curtain to finish. We recommend the heading height for a track should reach the top of the track to hide it; for a pole, we recommend 2 cm above the curtain ring eye. Curtains hang better with smaller headings.

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