The good news is that measuring for curtains is much easier than many people expect. By following a clear step by step process and knowing what to measure and where, you can achieve a flawless fit with confidence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, using clear explanations and visual examples to help you at every stage.<\/p>\n
Before you begin, it is important to decide which curtain heading style you would like. DotcomBlinds offers eyelet, pencil pleat, and double pinch pleat curtains, and each heading affects how the drop is measured. Do not worry if this sounds technical. We will explain it clearly as we go.<\/p>\n
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to measure curtain width and drop for both curtain poles and curtain tracks<\/strong>, helping you order curtains that finish beautifully and enhance your home.<\/p>\n Before you pick up a tape measure, there are a few important decisions to make. Taking a moment to prepare will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your measurements are accurate from the start. Measuring first and deciding later often leads to confusion, especially with made to measure curtains.<\/p>\n The curtain heading is the way the fabric is finished at the top and how it attaches to your pole or track. DotcomBlinds offers three popular heading styles, and each one affects how the curtain drop is measured.<\/p>\n Eyelet curtains<\/strong> feature metal rings at the top of the fabric that slide directly onto a curtain pole. Because the pole remains visible, eyelet curtains are measured from the top of the pole.<\/p>\n Pencil pleat curtains<\/strong> have a gathered heading that can be adjusted to create neat, even folds. They can be used on both curtain poles and curtain tracks, depending on the hooks and fittings you choose.<\/p>\n Double pinch pleat curtains<\/strong> offer a more tailored, traditional look with structured pleats sewn into the heading. Like pencil pleats, they can be used with poles or tracks and require slightly different measuring points depending on how they are hung.<\/p>\n It is essential to decide on your heading style before measuring, as this determines exactly where your drop measurement begins.<\/p>\n Next, confirm whether your curtains will be hung on a curtain pole or a curtain track.<\/p>\n A curtain pole<\/strong> is a visible feature, often chosen for decorative effect. Measurements are taken between the end caps or finials, not the wall to wall width.<\/p>\n A curtain track<\/strong> is more discreet and is usually fixed to the wall or ceiling. When measuring for a track, the full length of the track must be included, including any overlap if present.<\/p>\n If you have not yet installed your pole or track, you can still measure accurately by allowing extra width beyond the window or recess. This guide will explain exactly how much to add later on.<\/p>\n Having the correct tools to hand makes measuring easier and more accurate. You will need:<\/p>\n Once these decisions are made and your tools are ready, you can move on to measuring your curtain width with confidence.<\/p>\n Getting the curtain width right is essential for a balanced, well dressed window. Your curtain width is not the width of the fabric when it is flat. Instead, it is the total width of the curtain pole or curtain track that your curtains will be hanging from.<\/p>\n Always measure in millimetres for the most accurate results, and write each measurement down as you go.<\/p>\n If your curtains will be hung on a curtain pole, start by measuring the pole itself.<\/p>\n Measure the width of the curtain pole between the decorative end caps or finials. Do not include the finials in your measurement. This measurement is the width you will need to enter when ordering your made to measure curtains.<\/p>\n If your curtain pole has not yet been fitted, measure the width of the window or recess instead. As a general rule, the curtain pole should extend 15cm beyond the window or recess on each side. This allows the curtains to be pulled fully clear of the glass, letting in maximum light.<\/p>\n To calculate the correct width:<\/p>\n The final figure is the width you should order.<\/p>\n For curtain tracks, the process is similar but with a few important differences.<\/p>\n Measure the full width of the curtain track from one end to the other. This end to end measurement is the width you will need to enter when ordering.<\/p>\n If the track has not yet been installed, measure the width of the window or recess and add 30cm in total, allowing 15cm on each side, just as you would for a curtain pole.<\/p>\n Some curtain tracks include an overlap, which allows one curtain to pass in front of the other when closed for improved light control and privacy.<\/p>\n If your track has an overlap:<\/p>\n The combined total is the width you should enter when ordering your curtains.<\/p>\n Once the width is confirmed, the next step is measuring the curtain drop, which varies depending on your chosen heading style and whether you are using a pole or a track.<\/p>\n The curtain drop is the vertical measurement from the top fixing point down to where you want the curtains to finish. This measurement is just as important as the width and will determine how your curtains sit within the room. The correct starting point for your drop measurement depends on both your chosen heading style and whether you are using a curtain pole or a curtain track.<\/p>\n Take your time with this step and always measure in millimetres for accuracy.<\/p>\n Eyelet curtains sit directly on a curtain pole, with the metal rings visible once hung. Because of this, the drop measurement always starts from the top of the pole, not the underside.<\/p>\n Using a tape measure, measure from the top of the curtain pole down to your chosen finishing point. We recommend one of the following finishes, depending on where your curtains will hang:<\/p>\n Avoid measuring right down to the floor, as this can cause the curtains to puddle or drag once hung.<\/p>\n Pencil pleat and double pinch pleat curtains can be used with either curtain poles or curtain tracks, so the starting point for the drop measurement varies slightly.<\/p>\n If you are using decorative rings on a curtain pole and the rings will remain visible, measure from the underside of the decorative ring down to your chosen finishing point.<\/p>\n If the decorative rings will be covered by fabric, measure from the top of the curtain pole instead.<\/p>\n When measuring for a curtain track, always measure from the top of the track down to where you want the curtain to finish.<\/p>\n As with eyelet curtains, the recommended finishing points are:<\/p>\n Once you have your drop measurement, double check it to ensure accuracy. With both the width and drop confirmed, you are well on your way to ordering perfectly fitted made to measure curtains.<\/p>\n Even with clear instructions, there are a few common mistakes that can easily catch people out when measuring for made to measure curtains. Being aware of these in advance can help you avoid disappointment and ensure your curtains fit beautifully once they arrive.<\/p>\n One of the most common errors is measuring the width of the fabric you think you need rather than the width of the curtain pole or curtain track. When ordering made to measure curtains, you always enter the width of the pole or track, not the flat width of the curtain panels.<\/p>\n If your curtain track includes an overlap, forgetting to add this extra section to the overall width can result in curtains that do not fully close. Always measure the full track first and then add the overlap width separately.<\/p>\n Measuring right down to the floor often leads to curtains that drag or puddle. Curtains should finish slightly above the floor, typically around 1.5cm, to allow them to hang neatly and move freely.<\/p>\n Different heading styles start from different points. Measuring eyelet curtains from the underside of the pole, or pencil pleat curtains from the wrong part of the track or ring, can throw the entire drop measurement off. Always double check where your measurement should begin based on your chosen heading style.<\/p>\n Measuring before deciding on your curtain heading style or whether you are using a pole or track is a recipe for confusion. These choices directly affect how you measure, so always decide first and measure second.<\/p>\n Avoiding these common pitfalls will make the measuring process far smoother and help ensure your finished curtains look exactly as you expect.<\/p>\n A few simple tips can make a big difference when measuring for made to measure curtains<\/a>. These practical pointers will help you achieve the most accurate results and give you added confidence before placing your order.<\/p>\n It may sound obvious, but measuring twice really does reduce the risk of errors. Take each measurement at least two times and make sure the figures match before writing them down as final.<\/p>\n Always measure in millimetres rather than centimetres. This provides greater precision and helps ensure your curtains are made to the exact size needed for a perfect fit.<\/p>\n Even if two windows look identical, they are rarely exactly the same size. Measure every window separately to avoid ordering curtains that fit one window perfectly but fall short on another.<\/p>\n Do not rely on memory. Write each measurement down as soon as you take it, clearly labelling width and drop, along with which room or window the measurements relate to.<\/p>\n A metal tape measure is more accurate than a fabric or plastic one and will not stretch or bend, helping you get reliable results every time.<\/p>\n For wide windows or higher poles and tracks, having someone to help hold the tape measure steady can make the process quicker and more accurate.<\/p>\n Taking a little extra care at this stage helps ensure your finished curtains hang beautifully and look professionally fitted once installed.<\/p>\n Because made to measure curtains are custom made specifically for your windows, it is important to understand that they cannot be returned or refunded if the measurements are incorrect or if you decide the fabric is not quite right once they arrive. This is standard across made to measure products and is why careful measuring is so important.<\/p>\n That said, there is reassurance available if you are feeling a little unsure. When placing your order, you can choose to add the Right Size Guarantee<\/a>. This allows one set of curtains per order to be remade if you get the measurements wrong. Terms and conditions apply, but it can provide valuable peace of mind, especially if this is your first time measuring for curtains.<\/p>\n If you are ever uncertain, it is always worth double checking your measurements before ordering and taking your time to follow each step of this guide carefully. A little extra attention at the measuring stage can save time, cost, and disappointment later on.<\/p>\n With your measurements confirmed and confidence in place, you are almost ready to place your order.<\/p>\n Before placing your order, it is worth running through a final checklist to make sure nothing has been missed. Taking a few extra moments now can help ensure your made to measure curtains arrive ready to hang perfectly.<\/p>\nTable of Contents<\/h3>\n
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Before You Measure: What You Need to Decide First<\/h2>\n
![\"Before](\"https:\/\/www.dotcomblinds.com\/pub\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Before-You-Measure.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChoose Your Curtain Heading Style<\/h3>\n
Curtain Pole or Curtain Track<\/h3>\n
Gather the Right Tools<\/h3>\n
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How to Measure Curtain Width (With Visual Examples)<\/h2>\n
Measuring Curtain Width for a Curtain Pole<\/h3>\n
![\"Measuring](\"https:\/\/www.dotcomblinds.com\/pub\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Measuring-Curtain-Width-for-a-Curtain-Pole.jpeg\")
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Measuring Curtain Width for a Curtain Track<\/h3>\n
![\"Measuring](\"https:\/\/www.dotcomblinds.com\/pub\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Measuring-Curtain-Width-for-a-Curtain-Track.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nMeasuring Curtain Tracks With an Overlap<\/h4>\n
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How to Measure Curtain Drop (With Visual Examples)<\/h2>\n
Measuring the Drop for Eyelet Curtains<\/h3>\n
![\"Measuring](\"https:\/\/www.dotcomblinds.com\/pub\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Measuring-the-Drop-for-Eyelet-Curtains.jpeg\")
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Measuring the Drop for Pencil Pleat and Double Pinch Pleat Curtains<\/h3>\n
![\"Measuring](\"https:\/\/www.dotcomblinds.com\/pub\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Measuring-the-Drop-for-Pencil-Pleat-and-Double-Pinch-Pleat-Curtains.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nUsing a Curtain Pole<\/h4>\n
Using a Curtain Track<\/h4>\n
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Common Curtain Measuring Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n
Measuring the Fabric Instead of the Pole or Track<\/h3>\n
Forgetting to Allow for Track Overlaps<\/h3>\n
Measuring to the Floor<\/h3>\n
Mixing Up Measurement Starting Points<\/h3>\n
Measuring Before Making Key Decisions<\/h3>\n
Helpful Tips for Perfect Curtain Measurements<\/h2>\n
Always Measure Twice<\/h3>\n
Use Millimetres for Accuracy<\/h3>\n
Measure Each Window Individually<\/h3>\n
Write Measurements Down Immediately<\/h3>\n
Use a Metal Tape Measure<\/h3>\n
Get a Second Pair of Hands<\/h3>\n
What If You Get It Wrong?<\/h2>\n
Final Checklist Before Ordering Your Curtains<\/h2>\n
![\"Final](\"https:\/\/www.dotcomblinds.com\/pub\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Final-Checklist-Before-Ordering-Your-Curtains.jpg\")
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