The Ultimate Curtain Sizing & Fullness Calculator (With Examples)

Choosing the right curtain size can completely transform a space. Too little fabric, and curtains look flat and unfinished. Too much, and they overwhelm the window. For hotels, offices, restaurants, and residential projects, getting curtain sizing and fullness right is critical for both aesthetics and functionality.

This guide explains how to calculate curtain sizes step by step, introduces the curtain fullness formula, and provides real-world examples you can apply directly to your next project.

Why Curtain Sizing & Fullness Matters

In commercial and residential interiors, curtains are more than window coverings they create atmosphere, frame natural light, and influence energy efficiency. Two key factors determine how they look and perform:

• Curtain sizing: Making sure the fabric width and drop (length) are correct for the window or wall.

• Fullness: The ratio of fabric width to track or pole width. Fullness gives curtains their soft, flowing pleats instead of looking flat.

By mastering these calculations, you ensure curtains that look tailored and professional in any space.

Step 1: Measuring Curtain Width

Start with the track or pole width, not the glass. Measure the full span where the curtain will hang.

• Poles: Measure from one end of the pole to the other (excluding finials).

• Tracks: Measure the total track length, including any returns into the wall.

Tip: For wall-to-wall hotel projects, measure the entire wall width for a seamless look.

Step 2: Understanding Curtain Fullness

Fullness refers to how much fabric is used compared to the width of the track/pole.

• Standard fullness: 2x fabric to track (e.g., 200 cm fabric for 100 cm track).

• Luxurious fullness: 2.5x to 3x fabric (heavier pleats, often used in luxury hotels).

• Minimal fullness: 1.5x fabric (cleaner, modern look, often for offices).

Use this simple formula to calculate the perfect curtain fullness for your project.

Step 3: Measuring Curtain Drop (Length)

Curtain length depends on design preference:

• Sill length: Ends just above the window sill.

• Floor length: Stops 1–2 cm above the floor.

• Puddled length: Extends 5–15 cm beyond the floor for a luxury effect.

Commercial Tip: For hotels and offices, floor length with a neat finish is usually preferred for easy maintenance.

Examples of Curtain Sizing & Fullness

Let’s walk through a few real scenarios.

Example 1: Hotel Bedroom Blackout Curtains

• Track width: 300 cm

• Desired fullness: 2.5x (luxury)

• Fabric needed: 300 × 2.5 = 750 cm of fabric

• Drop: Floor length (260 cm)

Result: Order panels totaling 750 cm fabric width, each at 260 cm drop.

Example 2: Restaurant Sheer Curtains

• Track width: 500 cm (wall-to-wall)

• Desired fullness: 2x (soft pleats, light look)

• Fabric needed: 500 × 2 = 1000 cm of fabric

• Drop: Floor length (280 cm)

Result: 1000 cm fabric spread across 4–5 panels, each 280 cm drop.

Example 3: Office Meeting Room Dim-Out Curtains

• Track width: 400 cm

• Desired fullness: 1.5x (modern, minimal pleats)

• Fabric needed: 400 × 1.5 = 600 cm of fabric

• Drop: Floor length (250 cm)

Result: Two panels at 300 cm width each, 250 cm drop.

 Curtain fullness comparison: 1.5x for a modern look, 2x for balance, and 3x for luxury.

Fullness Style	Ratio	Best For
Minimal Pleats	1.5x	Offices, modern interiors
Standard Fullness	2x	Hotels, restaurants, homes
Luxury Fullness	2.5–3x	High-end hotels, showrooms

Pro Tips for Accurate Curtain Sizing

• Add overlap – Always add 5–10 cm to your track width so curtains close neatly.

• Account for returns – If curtains wrap around the wall, add those measurements too.

• Check fabric repeat – Patterned fabrics may require extra for matching.

• Plan for headings – Pleated, eyelet, and wave headings can change fabric requirements.

• Commercial consideration – In hospitality, choose practicality (easy maintenance) over puddled elegance.

Follow these steps to measure curtain width and drop accurately for flawless results.

Conclusion: Precision Creates Impact

The right curtain sizing and fullness elevate a project from average to exceptional. Whether you’re outfitting a hotel with blackout curtains, dressing a restaurant with sheer elegance, or equipping an office with functional dim-out fabrics, accurate calculations guarantee a professional finish.

By applying the fullness formula and following these measurement steps, you’ll save time, money, and avoid costly mistakes.

At Tuna Textile, we provide high-quality sheer, blackout, and dim-out fabrics designed for commercial use. Our team helps businesses calculate and supply the right curtain dimensions for projects of any scale.

Curtain Sizing Calculator