Drapery Fabric Yardage Calculator
Calculate how much fabric you need for curtains and drapes. Select a preset or enter custom window dimensions.
How to Calculate Fabric Yardage for Curtains
Calculating curtain fabric yardage involves two steps: determining how many fabric widths you need across the window, then calculating the length per panel. Here is the formula:
(Window Width × Fullness Ratio) ÷ Fabric Width = Panels Needed per Width (round up)
Step 2 — Yardage Calculation:
(Finished Length + Hem Allowance + Header Allowance) × Number of Panels = Total Inches ÷ 36 = Yards
For example, a 36-inch wide window with 2x fullness using 54-inch fabric: (36 × 2) ÷ 54 = 1.33, so you need 2 fabric widths. If your finished length is 60 inches with 4-inch hem and 3-inch header, each panel is 67 inches. For 2 panels: 134 total inches ÷ 36 = 3.75 yards (rounded to the nearest quarter yard).
How to Use the Curtain Fabric Calculator
- Measure your window — Record the exact width and desired finished length of your curtain.
- Choose fullness ratio — 2x is standard for most drapes. Use 1.5x for flat panels or 2.5x-3x for luxurious gathered curtains.
- Select fabric width — Most decor fabric comes in 54 inches. Extra-wide 108-inch fabric can eliminate seams for large windows.
- Add allowances — Include hem allowance (typically 4 inches for a double hem) and header allowance (2-4 inches for rod pocket or header tape).
- Click calculate — The drapery fabric yardage calculator outputs yards per panel and total yards needed.
Curtain Yardage Chart by Window Size
Use this quick reference table for common standard window sizes. Yardage is calculated with 2x fullness, 54-inch fabric, 4-inch hem, and 3-inch header unless noted.
| Window Size | Panels | Fabric Width | Yardage Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24" x 36" (Small) | 1 | 54" | 1.25 yards | 1 width per panel |
| 36" x 60" (Standard) | 1 | 54" | 2 yards | 1 width per panel |
| 48" x 84" (Tall) | 1 | 54" | 2.5 yards | 1 width per panel |
| 60" x 60" (Wide) | 2 | 54" | 4 yards | 2 widths per panel |
| 72" x 80" (Patio Door) | 2 | 54" | 5 yards | 2 widths per panel |
| 96" x 96" (Large Window) | 2 | 54" | 6 yards | 2 widths per panel |
| 108" x 84" (Sliding Door) | 3 | 54" | 7.5 yards | 2 widths per panel |
| 120" x 96" (Wall of Windows) | 4 | 60" | 11 yards | 2 widths per panel |
| 60" x 84" (Tall Wide) | 1 | 108" | 2.5 yards | 1 extra-wide width |
| 96" x 96" (Extra-Wide) | 1 | 108" | 3 yards | 1 extra-wide width |
Yardage is rounded up to the nearest quarter yard and includes 10% waste factor. Actual needs may vary based on pattern repeat and fabric layout.
Fullness Ratio Guide: How Much Gather Do You Need?
The fullness ratio determines how gathered your curtains look when closed. It is one of the most important factors in the curtain fabric yardage formula — more fullness requires more fabric.
| Ratio | Gather Amount | Best For | Fabric Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5x | Light / Flat | Modern drapes, sheers, Roman shades, tailored looks | 1.5 × window width |
| 2.0x | Standard | Most curtains, living rooms, bedrooms | 2 × window width |
| 2.5x | Full | Formal drapes, dining rooms, heavy fabrics | 2.5 × window width |
| 3.0x | Luxurious | Theatrical drapes, grand windows, lightweight fabrics | 3 × window width |
Choosing the Right Fullness
For most residential curtains, 2x fullness is the sweet spot. It provides gentle, natural gathers without using excessive fabric. Use 1.5x for flat curtain panels, roman shades, or when working with very stiff or heavy fabrics like velvet. Choose 2.5x or 3x for lightweight fabrics like sheer or linen where you want dramatic, billowy gathers. Keep in mind that higher fullness also increases your total curtain fabric yardage proportionally.