A Curtain Rod Length Calculator is designed to ensure your curtains hang properly and create the desired visual impact on the basis of window width, mounting style, and fabric fullness.
Consider a standard living room window that’s 48 inches wide. The calculator would factor in:
- Base window width (48 inches)
- Additional length for rod extension (typically 3-6 inches per side)
- Mounting bracket requirements
- Desired curtain fullness (usually 1.5-3 times the rod width)
Curtain Rod Length Calculator
| Window Width | Extension per Side | Finial Length | Total Rod Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 inches | 4 inches | 2 inches | 48 inches |
| 48 inches | 6 inches | 2 inches | 64 inches |
| 60 inches | 8 inches | 2.5 inches | 81 inches |
| 72 inches | 6 inches | 2 inches | 88 inches |
| 84 inches | 10 inches | 3 inches | 110 inches |
Curtain Rod Length Calculation Formula
The formula for calculating curtain pole length is:
Rod Length = Window Width + Left Extension + Right ExtensionLet’s break this down with a detailed example:
Window Width = 48 inches
Left Extension = 6 inches
Right Extension = 6 inches
Total Rod Length = 48 + 6 + 6 = 60 inchesFor proper curtain fullness, you’ll need to consider the fabric width using this formula:
Curtain Fabric Width = Rod Length × Fullness MultiplierExample with 2x fullness:
Rod Length = 60 inches
Fullness Multiplier = 2
Required Fabric Width = 60 × 2 = 120 inchesHow to Calculate Curtain Pole Length?
Calculating curtain pole length involves these steps:
- Measure the window width precisely
- Determine mounting location (inside or outside mount)
- Account for finials (decorative end pieces)
- Consider bracket placement
Window Width = 36 inches
Side Extensions = 5 inches each (10 inches total)
Finial Length = 2 inches each (4 inches total)
Total Pole Length = 36 + 10 + 4 = 50 inchesHow Long Should a Curtain Rod Be?
For optimal appearance, follow these guidelines:
- Minimum extension: 3 inches per side
- Standard extension: 4-6 inches per side
- Dramatic extension: 8-12 inches per side
The ideal curtain rod length depends on several factors:
- Window size and proportions
- Room aesthetics
- Curtain style (gathered, pleated, etc.)
- Light control requirements
- Visual impact desired
How Far Should a Curtain Rod Extend Past a Window?
The extension of a curtain rod beyond the window frame serves both functional and aesthetic purposes:
- Minimum: 3 inches on each side
- Standard: 4-6 inches on each side
- Maximum: 8-12 inches on each side
Example for light control:
Window Width = 40 inches
Desired Light Block = 6 inches per side
Total Rod Length = 40 + (6 × 2) = 52 inchesHow Long Should a Curtain Rod Be for a 72-inch Window?
For a 72-inch window:
- Minimum Rod Length: 78 inches (3-inch extensions)
- Standard Rod Length: 84 inches (6-inch extensions)
- Maximum Rod Length: 96 inches (12-inch extensions)
Calculation for standard mounting:
Window Width = 72 inches
Standard Extension = 6 inches per side
Total Rod Length = 72 + (6 × 2) = 84 inchesReferences
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