How wide should curtain panels be? Use our calculator to find out!

Wondering how wide your curtain panels should be? You’re not alone! This is a common question. 

It may seem simple, but curtains that are not wide enough can appear skimpy and unfinished. On the other hand, curtains that are too wide can overwhelm the window and room. 

Overall, I recommend curtains that are 2-3 times the width of your window. 

Because this varies depending on your unique home, I created a helpful calculator to help you determine how wide your curtains should be and how many curtain panels you should buy.

Keep reading for my advice on how to determine the best width for your curtains, and what to do if you need to adjust the width.

Let’s go!

How wide should curtain panels be?

Here’s a good guideline for the width of your curtains: your curtains should be 2-3 times the width of your curtain rod or window, depending on how full you want the pleats or folds. 

To measure the width of the window, I usually measure from the outside edges of the window frame. 

For example, if your window measures 9 feet wide from outside edge to outside edge of the window frame, your curtains should be 18 ft in width.

How wide are store bought curtains?

Store bought curtain panels range from 48 inches to 108 inches. 

They come in standard widths of 48, 54, 72, 90, and 108 inches, with the most common widths being 48 and 54 inches.

Calculating how many store bought curtains you’ll need

Here are the steps to calculate how many store bought curtains to buy:

1. Measure your window from outside edge to outside edge in inches. 
2. Multiply window width by 2 or 3, depending on the look you want
3. Take your answer from step 2, divide it by one of the following numbers: 48, 54, 72, 90, or 108. This is how many curtain panels you need. You may need to try a few different measurements. 

Let’s walk through an example:

Using the example above of a 9-foot-wide window (108 inches), you would need 4 – 54-inch-wide panels. Let’s walk through how I got there:

Window width: 108 inches (9 feet)

Multiply window width by 2 for desired curtain width: 108 X 2 = 216 inches curtain width

Divide by one of the standard widths listed above. You may need to play with the numbers to find the width that divides most neatly.  

216 inches divided by 54-inch-wide panels = 4 panels 54-inch panels needed.

Curtain Width and Panels Calculator

Use our custom calculator to determine how wide your curtains should be, and how many curtain panels you will need. 

To use the calculator, enter:

1. The width of your curtain in inches from outside edge to outside edge
2. Your curtain width multiplier. Choose 3 for a fuller look or 2 for a more streamlined look.
3. The width of curtain panels you’ll be using. If you’re not sure, choose 54 inches.

Then the calculator will tell you how wide your curtains need be, and how many curtain panels you should buy.

Give it a try!

What to do if your curtains aren’t the right width 

If your windows are a size that don’t fit standard curtain width, you have a few options to adjust the size.

Too wide?

If your curtains are too wide you can:

• Extend your curtain rods further to the side past the window on each side if space permits. To do this, you can buy longer rods, add an extension piece, or buy a telescoping rod with an adjustable length.
  • Note: the guideline for curtain rods is that the curtain rod should extend at least 6 or more inches past the window frame on each side.
• Reduce the width of the curtain by cutting along the length from top to bottom of the curtain and re-sewing the side hem.

Not wide enough?

If your curtains are not wide enough, you can:

• Hang multiple panels side by side. This provides a fuller look.
• Join 2 or more panels together by sewing them with a simple straight stitch.
  • To sew two panels together you can simply:
    • Place the 2 panels together one on top of the other, with the fronts facing each other. 
    • Align the top, bottom, and edge of both panels.
    • Sew along 1 side using a straight stitch.

Final Thoughts

You can use our guideline and calculator here to help you figure out how wide your curtains should be, and how many standard curtain panels you’ll need. 

Altering the width of your curtains can be as simple as hanging multiple panels, or a simple hem or side stitch. 

Getting this detail correct will really help you bring your room together!

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