Curtain measuring guide

Simplify measuring your curtains with our Measurement Finder , which guides you step by step, effortlessly – for a perfect fit, every time .

  • Step 1: Measure the width and position of the curtain rod

    • Existing curtain rod: Measure the total length of the rod .
    • No curtain rod installed yet: First, check where the rod will be installed above and to the side of the window frame .
    • Consider how high you want the pole to hang to achieve the desired visual effect .

  • Step 2: Know BTTO standard fullness

    To avoid your curtains looking flat like a stretched canvas , consider fullness for extra width .

    We use 200-250% fabric fill to create the pleats and give the curtains a rich, luxurious look .

    • 2× filling for pinch pleats
    • 2.3–2.5× fullness for triple folds

Fold header style

  • Example: For a 100-inch rod, order two curtain panels , each 50 inches wide, for the pleated header style .
  • Curtain panel width: Measured from the first pleat on the left to the last pleat on the right when the curtain is fully extended – not stacked .
  • Length: Measured from top to bottom of the curtain.
  • Fabric volume:

    Double fold: 200%

    Triple fold: 230–250%
  • Stacked: The curtain width is approximately 15-20% of the ordered width .

Soft-top header style

  • Width per panel (fully extended) = ordered width
  • Example: For a 100-inch long curtain rod with 200% fullness, order two panels . Each panel should be 100 inches wide , for a total of 200 inches , for the soft top/back tab header style .
  • Length: Measured from top to bottom of the curtain.
  • Suitable poles: Diameter up to 1.6 inches for back tab header.
  • Fabric fill: 200%
  • Stacked: The curtain width is reduced to approximately 15-20% of the ordered width .

Eyelet header style

  • Width per panel (fully extended) = ordered width
  • Example: For a 100" long curtain rod with 200% fullness, order two panels totaling 200" wide (100" × 200%), or 100" per panel for the grommet header style .
  • Length: Measured from top to bottom of the curtain.
  • Fabric fill: 200%
  • Eyelets: inner diameter 1.6 inches
  • Stacked: The curtain width is approximately 15-20% of the ordered width .

Ripple-fold curtain

  • Finished width in inches = your ordered width
  • The width you specify corresponds to the finished width with the waves of the ripple fold .
  • Note: The finished width is measured after the waves have formed , not when the fabric is fully spread out.
  • Panel or pair selectable:
    Panel: For example, if the rail length is 100 inches, you will receive a panel of 100 inches (finished width after ripple folds).
    Pair: You will receive two panels of 50 inches each (finished width after ripple folds).
  • Fabric fill: 200%
  • Stacked: 10–15 inches (approximately 20–30% of the ordered panel width)
  • Length: Measured from hook on the rail to the bottom of the curtain .

Important information before measuring

  • Your curtain will be made to the exact width and length you specify – precise measurements are crucial .
  • Curtain styles such as Pinch Pleat, Back Tab Pinch Pleat, Triple Pinch Pleat, Tailor Pleat, Triple Tailor Pleat and Flat Hooks come with adjustable hooks for ease of hanging.
  • Note: Curtain rings or clip rings are not included and must be purchased separately.
  • Always use a metal tape measure and measure to the nearest inch for width and length.
  • Even similar-looking windows or doors can vary slightly in size – measure each one separately for the best fit.
  • This guide provides basic recommendations but does not cover every possible situation.


For complex layouts or special installations, please send us an email to sales@btto.com – we'll be happy to help!