I need help measuring ready made curtains and blinds
Knowing which measurement you require for your curtains or blinds can be a tricky job, so we’ve put together the information below to help you get it right.
Curtain Information:
All of Next’s ready made curtains are sold in pairs and come in three lengths: 137cm (54”), 183cm (72”) and 229cm (90”).
The measurements quoted below are for a singular curtain. The heading tape on pencil pleat is suitable for all tracks and poles as it has three pockets to enable it to be hung at different heights.

How do I measure the curtain width?
Use a metal ruler for accuracy. Measure the full length of your track, if the track overlaps you must include the overlap.
Measure the full length of your pole and do not include the finials.


Curtain pole

How do I measure the curtain length?
Measure the drop from the top of the track to ensure it is covered with the curtains.
To measure pencil pleat curtains start from the small ring at the bottom of the curtain ring on the pole.
To measure tab top and eyelet curtains ensue you measure from the top of the curtain pole.
For the correct length measure as follows:
- 1cm above the sill for a sill length
- The desired length for below a sill length product
- 1 cm above the floor for a floor length product
If you have a curtain track, measure from here to the desired length:

If you have a curtain pole, measure from here to the desired length.


How gathered will your curtain look?
The combination of pole length and curtain widths you choose will determine if the appearance of your curtains will have a full/tight fit or flatter/loose gather.
For example a 168cm standard width pencil pleat curtain with a suggested pole length of 150-210cm will have a full appearance with tightly gathered header tape when used with a 150cm pole. With a 210cm pole it will give a flatter appearance with a less gathered header table.
The same principle can be applied to the finished appearances of the tab tops and eyelets.
168cm pencil pleat
150cm curtain pole
168cm pencil pleat
210cm curtain pole
Information for blinds:
See the below information for guides on how to measure your blinds.
Measuring inside a window recess
Width to be recorded: 141cm
Measuring for an external blind
Width to be recorded: 141cm + 30cm = 171cm