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Calculate fabric quantities and cut lengths using professional workroom methods. Accurate estimates for lined, interlined, and patterned curtains.
All measurements in centimeters unless noted
Fabric quantities and cut lengths for your curtains
Enter your measurements and click Calculate to see results
Learn how to measure, calculate, and make perfect curtains with professional workroom techniques.
Measure the full width of your pole or track from end to end. Do not include finials (decorative ends) in this measurement. If using a track, measure the entire length of the track including any overlap arms. Record this in centimeters.
The finished curtain length depends on your preferred style:
Measure from the top of the pole/track down to your desired end point.
Most decorator fabrics come in standard widths of 137cm (54 inches) or 140cm. Some specialty fabrics may be wider or narrower. Check the fabric label or ask your supplier. Enter the exact width in centimeters.
For plain fabrics, enter 0. For patterned fabrics:
Lined curtains have two layers: face fabric + lining. Interlined curtains have three layers: face fabric + interlining + lining. Interlining provides extra body, insulation, and a more luxurious drape. It's ideal for heavy fabrics and cold rooms.
A pair of curtains consists of two separate panels that meet in the middle. A single curtain works alone, typically drawing to one side. The calculator divides fabric widths equally for pairs, ensuring both curtains match.
Your heading type determines the pleat style and fullness needed:
| Heading | Fullness Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pencil Pleat | 2.5 | Uses heading tape, no buckram needed |
| Double (Pinch) Pleat | 1.6 - 2.4 | Classic, structured look |
| Triple Pleat | 2.5 | Very full, formal appearance |
| Goblet Pleat | 2.5 | Elegant, traditional style |
| Cartridge Pleat | 2.0 - 2.2 | Soft, rounded pleats |
| Eyelet | 2.0 | Modern, uses rings |
Buckram is a stiffener sewn into the heading to give it structure. Enter the depth of your buckram in centimeters:
The fullness ratio is the relationship between your pole width and the total fabric width used. Higher ratios create fuller, more gathered curtains:
Use the recommended values from the table above, or experiment to achieve your preferred look.
The calculator defaults to rounding UP the number of fabric widths. This ensures you have enough fabric but may result in a slightly higher fullness ratio than requested.
Select Round Down if the actual fullness ratio is too high and you want a slightly lower ratio. Always check the "Actual Fullness Ratio" in the results to confirm it's within your desired range.
For patterned fabrics, you can add one extra pattern repeat to your total fabric requirement. This gives you flexibility to:
Only available when you select "Patterned Fabric."
Total meters of face fabric needed, including all allowances for hems, heading, and pattern matching.
Lining fabric needed. Includes heading allowance, hem allowance, and 5cm trimming allowance per cut drop.
Only shown for interlined curtains. Includes 10cm trimming allowance per cut drop.
For pencil pleat curtains. Length is calculated based on your pole width and number of curtain panels.
For hand-sewn headings (double, triple, goblet, cartridge pleats). Total length based on number of widths.
How many fabric widths are needed across the whole curtain set.
For pairs, how many widths each individual curtain contains. The calculator aims for equal widths.
The true fullness achieved with the rounded number of widths. May differ slightly from your desired ratio.
These standard workroom practices are built into every calculation. Understanding them helps you interpret results accurately.
Fabric receives a double 8cm hem (16cm total). Lining receives a double 6cm hem (12cm total).
Fabric receives a double 10cm hem (20cm total). Lining receives a double 8cm hem (16cm total).
Calculator assumes standard vertical pattern repeats, not half-drop repeats. Half-drop patterns require the Half-Drop Pattern Repeat Calculator.
Calculator defaults to rounding UP to the nearest whole number of widths. Select "Round Down" to force rounding down.
5cm trimming allowance added to each lining cut drop for safe cutting and straightening.
10cm trimming allowance added to each interlining cut drop.
5cm trimming allowance on plain fabric cut drops. Not added for pattern fabrics as adjusted cut drops are usually longer than required.
Lining and interlining are assumed to be a similar width to the face fabric. If your lining differs significantly, you may need extra or less lining.
Based on standard curtain making courses. Fabric heading allowance includes buckram depth plus turnings. Lining heading allowance is sized to finish slightly shorter than the face fabric.
Important: Our goal is to make the Fabric Calculator as accurate and helpful as possible, but please double-check all results thoroughly before purchasing fabric. Always buy a little extra to allow for cutting errors or pattern adjustments.
The calculator must work with whole fabric widths. When it rounds the number of widths up or down, the actual fullness ratio (pole width ÷ total fabric width) will differ slightly from your desired ratio. The actual ratio is displayed so you can verify it's acceptable.
Buckram is a stiffened fabric strip sewn into hand-crafted headings like double, triple, or goblet pleats. Heading tape is a ready-made product with cords that you pull to create gathers — used for pencil pleat curtains. Pencil pleat uses tape (enter 0 for buckram). All other headings use buckram.
No, this calculator assumes standard (straight) pattern repeats. Half-drop repeats require different calculations because the pattern offset affects how widths align at the seams. Look for a specialized half-drop calculator for these fabrics.
Always start by rounding UP — this ensures sufficient fabric. If the resulting actual fullness ratio is higher than you want (making curtains too full), try rounding down. Check that the actual fullness ratio doesn't drop below the recommended minimum for your heading type.
It's wise to add at least 10-15% to the calculated amount, or one extra pattern repeat for patterned fabrics. This covers cutting mistakes, fabric flaws, future repairs, and allows you to pattern-match seams perfectly.
