Measuring Instructions for Drapery Curtains

Step 1: Measure the Width (Determine Rod/Track Length and Placement)

If the rod or track is installed, measure its usable end-to-end span without decorative finials and record the result.

If the hardware is not installed, decide the mounting position before ordering:

Measure with a retractable metal tape: keep it level and taut, write every result immediately, and repeat each measurement before entering a custom size.
Height above the window frame: a common starting point is 6–10 inches above the frame. Check the wall, ceiling, brackets, and finished curtain length before marking the position.
Width beyond the window frame: a common starting point is 6–15 inches on each side so the panels can stack away from the glass.
Usable hardware width: measure the travel span, not the glass width and not the decorative finials.

Drapery measuring diagram showing rod or track width, mounting height, window width, and side extension — Record the hardware width and placement separately from the window-frame width.

Step 2: Confirm Width and Fullness on the Selected Product

Fullness describes the fabric used to create folds. Choose your header, then check whether the product asks for one panel's finished width, one panel's flat fabric width, or the total width of a pair. These are different measurements.

When ordering by the panel, enter the width of one panel and set the quantity separately. If a product explicitly asks for the total width of a pair and divides it automatically, enter that total without dividing it again.

Pleated Styles

For sewn pleated headers, use the finished-width rule shown on the selected product. Do not apply a separate multiplier unless that product explicitly calls for one.

Sewn pleats create the visible folds; confirm the exact selected header and finished-width input.
Double and triple constructions can use different sewn structures.
The product page and configured cart details prevail for panel quantity and included connector.

Diagram showing that sewn pleats, finished order width, and stack space are confirmed on the selected product — Sewn pleats use the construction specified on the selected product.

Soft Top and Grommet Styles

For soft-top and grommet styles, confirm whether the selected product asks for flat width or finished width. Apply a fullness ratio only when the product uses flat-width ordering and states that ratio for the chosen header and configuration.

Lower fullness creates fewer folds and a flatter face.
Higher fullness creates a denser gather and a fuller face.
Use the fullness stated in the selected product instructions or configuration; do not assume the same ratio applies to every header.

When a product asks for single-panel flat width, divide the required total flat width by the number of panels. A total-pair-width field already asking for the complete set must not be divided again.

Flat Hooks and 4-in-1: a hook attachment does not by itself mean the heading has permanent sewn pleats. For a 4-in-1 header, choose the hanging method first so the length starts from the correct rod, ring or hook reference.

Four Fredesigner curtain panels shown from minimal coverage to closely gathered fullness — Compare minimal coverage, moderate gather, full gather, and closely gathered folds before choosing the order width.

Step 3: Work Through an Example Before Ordering

Use these arithmetic examples only to understand the difference between finished-width and flat-width ordering. Replace every value with the rule and panel quantity shown on the selected product.

Pleated

For a single-panel finished-width field, divide the required total finished coverage by the number of panels. Do not add a second fullness multiplier for the fabric already used in sewn pleats.
The finished panel width is measured across the completed pleats while the curtain is extended.
Confirm the connector, hardware compatibility, and panel quantity shown on the selected product.
Plan side extension and stack space before fixing the hardware position.
Measure length from the connector reference stated on the selected product.

Soft Top, Flat Hooks and 4-in-1

Only for a single-panel flat-width field: multiply the required coverage by the fullness stated for that header, then divide by the number of panels.
Use the selected product's stated fullness; a hook attachment alone does not mean fullness is already included.
For Rod Pocket, Back Tab, Tab Top, Flat Hooks or 4-in-1, confirm the actual hanging method and compatible hardware.
Plan side extension and stack space before fixing the hardware position.
Measure from the rod, ring or hook reference used by the selected hanging method.

Grommet

Only for a single-panel flat-width field: multiply the required coverage by the confirmed fullness, then divide by the number of panels.
Do not use a flat-width multiplier when the product already asks for finished width with fullness included.
Confirm the selected product's grommet size, finish, and rod compatibility before ordering.
Plan side extension and stack space before fixing the hardware position.
Use the product's stated top reference; add a header allowance only when that product requires one.

Ripple Fold

For a single-panel finished-ripple-width field, divide the required total finished coverage by the number of panels.
Finished width is measured after the ripple waves are formed; do not multiply it again to supply the fabric used in those waves.
Confirm the compatible track, connector system, panel quantity, and finished-width rule on the selected product.
Plan side extension and stack space before fixing the track position.
Use the attachment reference specified for the compatible installed track.

Order-width framework

The formulas below apply to single-panel width fields. For a field that explicitly requests the total width of a pair, enter the requested total without dividing it again.

Pleated: when the selected product uses finished width, single-panel order width = required total finished coverage ÷ panel quantity.
Soft Top: when the selected product uses flat width, single-panel order width = (required coverage × confirmed fullness) ÷ panel quantity.
Grommet: when the selected product uses flat width, single-panel order width = (required coverage × confirmed fullness) ÷ panel quantity.
Ripple Fold: when the selected product uses finished ripple width, single-panel order width = required total finished ripple coverage ÷ panel quantity.

Two different width examples

Finished-width example: For a confirmed single-panel finished-width configuration, covering a total width of 100 inches with two equal panels requires 50 inches of finished width per panel. Enter 50 inches and choose a quantity of 2.

Flat-width example: For a confirmed 2x fullness configuration using single-panel flat width, covering a total width of 100 inches with two equal panels requires 100 inches of flat width per panel: 100 × 2 ÷ 2 = 100 inches. Enter 100 inches and choose a quantity of 2.

These examples explain the difference between width types. They do not set a universal fullness ratio or change the selling unit shown on a product.

Illustrative calculation framework

Header style	Width input to confirm	Order calculation	Panel split	Length reference
Pleated	Single-panel finished width after sewn pleats	Total finished coverage ÷ panel quantity; no second fullness multiplier	Enter one panel width; choose the number of panels separately	Use the connector reference stated on the product
Soft Top, Flat Hooks and 4-in-1	Single-panel flat width, only where that is the product rule	(Required coverage × confirmed fullness) ÷ panel quantity	Enter one panel width; choose quantity separately	Use the reference for the actual rod, ring or hook method
Grommet	Single-panel flat width, only where that is the product rule	(Required coverage × confirmed fullness) ÷ panel quantity	Do not divide a total-pair-width field again	Use the product's stated top reference and header allowance
Ripple Fold	Single-panel finished width after the waves are formed	Total finished coverage ÷ panel quantity; no second multiplier	Enter one panel width; follow any explicitly different pair field	Use the compatible track and connector reference

Step 4: Choose the Finished Length and Placement

Decide the endpoint before entering a custom length. Measure every opening independently, even when windows appear identical.

Fredesigner measuring diagram showing rod or track width, mounting height, finished length, and five curtain endpoints — Use the same hardware width and top reference while comparing sill, below-sill, floor, slight-break, and puddle lengths.

Sill Length

Ends around the sill area. Confirm the desired reveal and keep the panel clear of handles or furniture.

Apron Length

Falls below the sill. Confirm the visual endpoint and any wall trim or radiator clearance.

Floor Length

Finishes at or just above the floor for a clean, frequently used installation.

Break Length

Uses a small amount of extra fabric to create a soft break at the floor.

Puddle Length

Adds fabric on the floor for a decorative look. Best suited to low-traffic placements.

Ripple-fold length

Installed track: use the attachment reference specified for the compatible track. If that system measures from the bottom of the track, measure from that point to the finished endpoint.

Uninstalled track: confirm the exact track and connector first. For a bottom-of-track reference, planned track-top height − track height − curtain-to-floor clearance = curtain length.

Final measuring check

Use the same unit throughout.
Measure at least twice.
Record each window separately.
Match the measurement reference to the selected header.
Confirm every custom field before checkout.