How to Measure Curtains for Existing Poles & Tracks

Simple. Accurate. Done properly.

If your pole or track is already installed, measuring becomes much more straightforward. We’re not repositioning hardware — we’re simply ensuring your new curtains fit perfectly.

Accuracy still matters. A few millimetres can change how curtains hang, stack and fall.

So here’s how we measure at Stripe Interiors.

Before You Start

• Use a metal tape measure (never fabric — it stretches).

• Record everything in millimetres (mm).

• Always measure width first, then drop.

• Write measurements down immediately.

Millimetres prevent rounding errors.
Width-first keeps everything organised when ordering.

1. Measuring the Width

When measuring for existing hardware, you are measuring the pole or track — not the window.

For Curtain Poles

Measure the distance between the two decorative finials.
Do not include the finials themselves.

For Curtain Tracks

Measure the full end-to-end width of the track.

That number is the exact horizontal span your curtains must cover.

If the pole or track was installed correctly, it should already extend beyond the window frame enough to allow for stack-back (the space the curtains sit in when open).

Record this figure in millimetres.

2. Measuring the Drop

The drop is the vertical measurement from the hanging point down to your chosen finish.

The most common mistake happens here — measuring from the wrong place.

Where Do You Measure From?

• Eyelet curtains: Measure from the top of the pole

• Wave: Measure from the top of the runners.

• Curtains on rings: Measure from the bottom of the ring, not the part underneath where the hook sits

  • If you measure from the top of the pole when using rings, your curtains will be the diameter of the pole too long. 

• Track:

  • If you want to see the track: Measure from the bottom of the track

  • If you want to hide the track: Measure from the top of the track.
    

Decide On Your Finish

Sill Length
Finish 1–2mm above the sill.

Below Sill
Finish 100–150mm below the sill.

Floor Length (most popular)

• Clean hover: Subtract 1–2mm from the floor measurement so curtains just skim the floor.

• Gentle puddle: Add 30–50mm to allow soft pooling.

Always Check in Three Places

Floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly level.

Measure the drop at:

• Left

• Centre

• Right

If your floors or sills are uneven, you have to make a decision:

• Use the shortest measurement as the starting point for a classic hover or sill length curtain

And never assume two windows in the same room are identical - plaster thickness alone will vary from window to window. 

3. A Professional Note on Fullness

Ready-made curtains are often sold based on their flat, un-gathered fabric width, often referred to as 'curtain size'. To reduce fabric usage (and cost), fullness is frequently compromised resulting in curtains that either can't be gathered fully or eyelets that stretch flat. 

When ordering from a professional curtain maker, fullness is calculated properly from the start.

We take into account:

• The exact pole or track width

• The heading style (pencil pleat, eyelet, pinch pleat, wave etc.)

• The desired finished look — tailored or luxurious

• The weight and behaviour of the fabric

Typically, bespoke curtains are made at:

• 2x fullness for a classic, structured look on a pencil pleat heading or eyelet. 

• 2.3x–2.5x fullness for a softer, more generous drape for pinch headings.

This is built into the specification -  you don’t need to calculate it yourself when working with a professional. It’s part of achieving that intentional, considered finish.

Final Check Before Ordering

• Width measured from pole/track only (excluding finials)

• Drop measured from correct starting point

• Drop checked in three places

• Shortest drop selected

• All measurements recorded in millimetres

In the world of interior design, accurate measurements are the absolute foundation of a professional finish and we can talk millimetres for hours...it's what we do!

We are also seeing a resurgence of slightly puddled curtains to create a luxurious statement. 

If you would like some help, please get in touch and we can make you something beautiful.