Curtain Fabric Yardage Calculator

Calculate exactly how much fabric you need for custom curtains or drapes

Window Width (inches)

Window Height (inches)

Fullness

Fabric Width (inches)

Bottom Hem (inches)

Top Hem (inches)

Extra Length (optional, inches)

Number of Panels

Pattern Direction

No Pattern

Has Pattern Repeat

Fabric Required

Total Yards Needed

Total Inches

Per Panel

Widths Needed

Finished Width

Tip: Always purchase an extra 10-15% to account for shrinkage, pattern matching, and mistakes.

How to Use This Calculator

This curtain fabric calculator helps you determine exactly how much fabric you need for your window treatment project:

Measure your window width and height in inches from the mounting point to where you want the curtain to end
Choose your fullness - 2x is standard for most curtains, providing nice gathers without being too bulky
Select your fabric width - most decorator fabrics are 54" wide
Enter hem allowances - typical bottom hem is 4-6 inches, top hem is 3-4 inches
Add extra length if you want curtains to puddle on the floor or need extra clearance
Specify pattern repeat if your fabric has a repeating pattern that needs to match

Example: For a 60" wide by 84" tall window with 2x fullness and 54" wide fabric, you'll need two widths of fabric. Each panel needs 94" of length (84" + 6" bottom hem + 4" top hem), resulting in approximately 5.25 yards total.

Understanding Curtain Fullness

Fullness refers to how much extra fabric width is used to create gathers or pleats:

1.5x fullness: Minimal gathers, more modern and tailored look
2x fullness: Standard for most curtains, creates soft, attractive folds
2.5x fullness: Fuller appearance, more luxurious drape
3x fullness: Very full, traditional formal draperies

For example, a 60" window with 2x fullness needs 120" of fabric width before hemming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting hem allowances: Always add extra length for top and bottom hems
Not accounting for pattern repeat: Patterned fabrics require extra yardage to match designs across panels
Measuring only the window: Curtains typically extend beyond the window frame for better coverage and appearance
Buying exact yardage: Always add 10-15% extra for shrinkage and errors
Ignoring fabric width: Wider fabrics may reduce the number of widths needed

Fabric Width and Panel Calculation

The calculator determines how many fabric widths you need based on your window width and desired fullness:

Multiply window width by fullness factor (e.g., 60" × 2 = 120")
Divide by fabric width to get number of widths needed
Round up to ensure adequate coverage
Multiply widths by the total length per panel

If your fabric has a pattern repeat, the calculator adds extra length to each width so patterns align across panels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much extra fabric should I buy?

Purchase 10-15% more than calculated to account for shrinkage (especially for natural fibers), pattern matching errors, and cutting mistakes. It's better to have extra than to run short mid-project.

What fullness should I choose for my curtains?

2x fullness is the standard for most residential curtains and provides a nice balance of gathers without being too bulky. Choose 2.5x or 3x for a more luxurious, formal look, or 1.5x for a modern, tailored appearance.

How do I measure for curtain length?

Measure from where your curtain rod will be mounted to where you want the curtains to end. Common options are sill length (just touching the sill), apron length (a few inches below the sill), or floor length (1/2 inch above the floor or puddles on the floor).

What if my fabric has a pattern?

Enable "Has Pattern Repeat" and enter the repeat measurement (found on the fabric bolt). The calculator will add extra length to ensure patterns align across panels. This typically adds one repeat length per width of fabric.

Can I use this for sheer curtains?

Yes, but sheer curtains often use more fullness (2.5x to 3x) to create a fuller, more dramatic look. Adjust the fullness setting accordingly.

What's the difference between 54" and 108" wide fabric?

54" is standard decorator fabric width. 108" is drapery-width fabric specifically made for curtains. Using wider fabric can reduce the number of widths needed and eliminate seams in smaller panels.