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Curtain Fabric Calculator — Yardage, Cut Length & Cost Estimator

Estimate fabric yardage, cut length, and total cost for custom curtains by window size, style, and fullness ratio

Fabric Needed

10.2 yd

Total Cost

$122.67

Cut Length

92"

Include Lining
Blackout or privacy lining

Fullness: 2× is standard for most styles. Pinch pleats look best at 2.5× or higher for a luxurious drape.

Pattern repeat: Always buy one extra repeat per cut length to ensure pattern alignment across panels.

Fabric width: 54" is the most common home decor width. Quilting cotton is typically only 45".

Fabric Summary

10.2 yd
main fabric needed
Fabric Cost
$122.67
$12/yard
Cut Length
92"
per panel width

Cutting Details

Finished Length84"
Top Hem Allowance4"
Bottom Hem Allowance4"
Cut Length per Width92"

Panel Layout

Number of Panels2
Fabric Widths per Panel2
Total Fabric Widths4
Finished Width (all panels)144"

DIY vs Ready-Made Curtains

Your DIY Cost$123
Budget Ready-Made$60
Custom Made$250

Custom-made curtains typically cost $150–$500+ per window depending on fabric and style

Example Calculations

1Standard Window Rod Pocket — 72×84"

Inputs

Window Size72" wide × 84" long
StyleRod Pocket (2× fullness)
Panels2
Fabric Width54"
Pattern RepeatNone
Fabric Price$12/yard

Result

Fabric Needed10.2 yd
Cut Length92"
Widths per Panel2
Total Fabric Cost$122.67

A 72" window at 2× fullness needs 144" total width. Each of the 2 panels is 72" wide, requiring 2 widths of 54" fabric per panel. Cut length is 84" + 4" top hem + 4" bottom hem = 92". Total yardage: 4 widths × 92" ÷ 36 = 10.2 yards.

2Wide Window Pinch Pleat — 108×96" with Pattern

Inputs

Window Size108" wide × 96" long
StylePinch Pleat (2.5× fullness)
Panels2
Fabric Width54"
Pattern Repeat12"
Fabric Price$18/yard

Result

Fabric Needed26.7 yd
Cut Length116"
Widths per Panel3
Total Fabric Cost$480.00

A 108" window at 2.5× fullness needs 270" total width. Each panel is 135" wide, needing 3 widths of 54" fabric. Cut length is 96" + 4" + 4" + 12" pattern repeat = 116". Total: 6 widths × 116" ÷ 36 = 19.3 yards. Pattern matching increases total to about 26.7 yards.

3Small Window Grommet — 36×63"

Inputs

Window Size36" wide × 63" long
StyleGrommet (1.5× fullness)
Panels2
Fabric Width54"
Pattern RepeatNone
Fabric Price$12/yard

Result

Fabric Needed3.9 yd
Cut Length70"
Widths per Panel1
Total Fabric Cost$46.67

A small 36" window at 1.5× fullness needs 54" total width. Each panel is 27"—fits in one fabric width. Cut length is 63" + 3" + 4" = 70". Total: 2 widths × 70" ÷ 36 = 3.9 yards at $12/yd = $46.67.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much fabric do I need for curtains?

Measure your window width and multiply by the fullness ratio (1.5–3× depending on style). Divide by fabric width to get widths per panel, then multiply by the cut length (finished length plus top and bottom hem allowances plus any pattern repeat). Convert total inches to yards by dividing by 36. A standard 72×84" window with rod pocket curtains at 2× fullness needs about 10 yards of 54" fabric.

  • Total width = window width × fullness ratio (2× is standard)
  • Widths per panel = ceil(panel width ÷ fabric width)
  • Cut length = finished length + top hem + bottom hem + pattern repeat
  • Yardage = total widths × cut length ÷ 36
  • 72" window at 2× fullness with 84" drop ≈ 10 yards of 54" fabric
Window WidthFullnessFabric (54")Approx Cost ($12/yd)
36"2×~5 yd~$60
72"2×~10 yd~$120
108"2×~16 yd~$192
Q

What fullness ratio should I use for curtains?

Standard fullness is 2× the window width for most styles. Rod pocket and pinch pleat curtains look best at 2–2.5× for a luxurious gathered appearance. Grommet and tab top curtains need only 1.5× because the hardware creates defined folds. Higher fullness uses more fabric but creates a richer, more professional look.

  • 1.5×: minimal gather, modern look (grommet, tab top)
  • 2×: standard fullness, works for most styles
  • 2.5×: generous gather, formal appearance (pinch pleat)
  • 3×: very full, theatrical or high-end custom drapes
  • Sheer curtains often use 2.5–3× for proper opacity
StyleRecommended FullnessLookFabric Usage
Rod Pocket2×Classic gatheredStandard
Grommet1.5×Modern pleatsLower
Pinch Pleat2.5×Formal tailoredHigher
Tab Top1.5×Casual loopsLower
Q

How do I account for pattern repeat in curtain fabric?

Add one full pattern repeat to each cut length to ensure the pattern aligns across panels. For example, if your cut length is 92 inches and the fabric has a 12-inch repeat, add 12 inches for a total cut of 104 inches. This wastes some fabric but ensures horizontal pattern lines match perfectly when panels hang side by side.

  • Add one full repeat to each cut length for pattern alignment
  • Small repeat (under 6"): adds minimal extra fabric
  • Medium repeat (6–12"): adds ~0.5–1 yard per cut
  • Large repeat (12–36"): can add 1–2 yards per cut—factor into budget
  • Solid and non-directional fabrics: no repeat adjustment needed
Repeat SizeExtra per CutImpact on 10 yd Order
None (solid)0"No change
Small (<6")Up to 6"+0.5–1 yd
Medium (6–12")6–12"+1–2 yd
Large (12–36")12–36"+2–4 yd
Q

What fabric width is best for curtains?

54-inch wide fabric is the standard for home decor and curtain projects. It minimizes the number of widths you need to seam together. 45-inch quilting cotton works but requires more seaming. 60-inch fabric is available in some decorator lines and reduces waste. Always check bolt width before purchasing.

  • 45" wide: quilting cotton and some linens, more seaming required
  • 54" wide: standard home decor fabric, most curtain patterns assume this width
  • 60" wide: some decorator fabrics, slightly less waste
  • Wider fabric = fewer widths per panel = less seaming and fabric waste
  • Fabric width minus ~1" for seam allowances = usable width
Fabric WidthWidths for 72" Window (2×)Total Yardage (84" drop)Seams Needed
45"4 widths~12 yd2 per panel
54"3 widths~10 yd1 per panel
60"3 widths~9.5 yd1 per panel
Q

How much do custom curtains cost to make?

DIY curtains cost $5–20 per yard for mid-range decorator fabric, totaling $50–$200 per window for a standard 72" wide, floor-length pair. Add $10–20 for thread, lining, and hardware. Professional custom curtains for the same window cost $200–$500+. Ready-made curtains run $40–$100 but limit size and fabric choices.

  • Budget fabric (cotton, poly blend): $5–10/yard
  • Mid-range decorator fabric: $12–25/yard
  • Premium fabric (silk, linen, velvet): $30–$80/yard
  • Lining fabric: $5–10/yard (blackout lining costs more)
  • Hardware (rod, rings, brackets): $15–50 per window
OptionCost per Window (72×84")Fabric ChoiceLead Time
DIY$50–$200Unlimited1–2 weekends
Ready-Made$40–$100Limited sizes/fabricsSame day
Custom Professional$200–$500+Full selection4–8 weeks

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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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