Curtain Length Calculator — How Long Should Curtains Be?
Enter your rod-to-floor height and pick your look to get the exact curtain length plus the nearest standard ready-made size. No sign-up, no data stored.
Recommended curtain length
How curtain length is calculated
The calculator applies standard curtain-styling rules designers use:
- Floor length: hang ½" above the floor → length = rod-to-floor − ½".
- Float / break: ends 1" above the floor → rod-to-floor − 1".
- Puddle: 1–2" pools on the floor → rod-to-floor + 1½".
- Sill length: ends at the sill → length = rod-to-sill.
- Apron length: hangs 4" below the sill → rod-to-sill + 4".
We then show the nearest standard ready-made length (63, 84, 96, or 108 inches) so you know what to buy. You can always hem a longer panel — you can't lengthen a short one.
Curtain length reference
Standard sizes and the looks they suit.
| Standard length | Best for |
|---|---|
| 63" | Kitchen sills, bathroom windows, short cafe curtains |
| 84" | Most 8 ft ceilings — floor-length in bedrooms and living rooms |
| 96" | Higher ceilings or a more dramatic floor-length look |
| 108" | 9–10 ft ceilings and formal floor-length or puddle styles |
Rod placement
| Element | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rod height | 4–6" above the window frame, or halfway to the ceiling |
| Rod width | Extend 6–12" past each side of the window so panels sit outside the glass |
| Panel width | 1.5–2× the rod width in total fabric for a full look |
Last updated: October 2026 · Standard US ready-made curtain lengths (63/84/96/108). Rules reflect common interior-design practice.
Curtain length FAQ
For a modern look, curtains should end ½–1 inch above the floor. In kitchens and bathrooms, ending at the sill or 4 inches below it is common.
Designers usually prefer curtains that just kiss the floor or hang ½" above it. The "puddle" look (1–2" pooling) is a formal, dramatic alternative.
Hang it 4–6 inches above the window frame, or halfway between the frame and the ceiling. Higher rods make ceilings look taller.
Choose the next size up and hem it. Buying shorter than you need usually means curtains that float awkwardly off the floor.
Total panel width should be about 1.5–2× the rod width for a full, gathered look when closed.