The Ultimate Guide:How to Calculate Yardage for Curtains and Draperies

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• How to measure the rod or the pole

• Important terminology you need to know

• What is all that extra fabric that you have to add

• Formula for fabric yardage calculations

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Important Note: all the calculations are in inches.

Step1. Determine Rod Width (RW) and Mounting Height

• Determine the drapery rod to be used, i.e. 1, 2 or 3 inches in diameter.

• Allow the width of the rod (or pole) to extend 2 inches or more on each side.

Rod Width (RW)____

• Determine the height of the rod or pole. It should be mounted at least 4 inches above the window.

Mounting Height (MH) ___

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Step 2. Mark the Finished Length (FL)

Finished Length (FL) is the length from the eye of the ring to the floor.

Tip: You can deduct 1/2 -1.0 inches from the finished length. However, for a softer look, for example, bedroom draperies, add 2-3 inches to the finished length.

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Finished Length (FL)___

Step 3. Determine Returns (R)

Return (R) is the side of the curtain or drapery that is close to the wall. It is usually 4-5 ½ inches on each side.

Returns (RW)___

Tip: If you want to put the cornice over the drapery, use 3 ½ inches return. Do not forget that your window drapery will have 2 returns.

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Step 4. Determine the Finished Width (FW)

Rod Width (RW)___(Step 1)

+Returns (R)___(Step 3)

= Finished Width (FW)___

RW+R =FW

Tip:   Always add 3.0 inches on each panel for side hems (1 ½” doubled). For complete privacy, your curtains should close in the middle or overlap 3-4 inches.

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Step 5: Determine Cut Length (CT)

Finished Length (FL)___(Step 2)

+Bottom Hem (BH)___+Top Heading (TH)___ =Cut Length (CT)___

FL+BH+TH=CL

Tip: Generous hems add weight and look custom and more elegant.

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•Bottom Hem (BH) and Top Hem (TH) are usually 4 inches doubled (8 inches).

Step 6. Decide on the Fullness (F)

Finished Width (FW)___(Step 4)

X 2 (Standard Fullness)=Fullness (F)___

FW X 2 = F

Tip: to get more folds, use 2 ½-3 times Fullness. To show off the print, use 2 X Fullness.

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Step 7. Calculate the Number of Panels (P#)

Finished Width (FW)___ (Step 4)

X Fullness (F)___(Step 6)

:54 (or fabric width) =Number of Panels (P#) ___

( FW X F):54= P#

• Most fabrics come in 54, 55, 60 or 118 inches fabric width.

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Step 8. Calculate Yardage You Need to Get

Cut length (CL) ___(Step 5)

XNumber of panels (P#)___(Step 7)

=Overall Number of Inches(ONI)___:36 =Yardage (Y)

(CL X P#):36=Y

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General Tips

Pay attention to vents and heaters under the windowBefore you start calculating the amount of yardage, look at the window and the wall space around it. Pay attention to vents, radiators and electric outlets. For example, if you have the only vent right below the window, you will not want to block it with heavy draperies.

Fabric Cost Fabric cost per yard varies depending on the brand, origin and material content. It starts at $15-50 for low to mid range; $50-$100 for high end range, and $100 and up for couture and designers’ fabric.

Labor Cost Labor also varies between $30-60 per one width of fabric drapery. This varies depending on the reputation, experience and location of the workroom.

Please feel free to contact us for any questions, more information and custom orders.