How Many Metres of Curtain Fabric, Do You Need?
Start with the rod or track width and desired fullness, then account for fabric width, drop, hems, seams and pattern repeat.
Prices and What Is Included
Use the measuring guide to plan the fabric quantity, then confirm it with Samar before ordering. Window width alone is not the final curtain quantity: fullness, drop, roll width, hems and pattern matching can affect it.
| Treatment | Price per metre |
|---|---|
| Curtains | KSh 1,800–2,500Fabric, stitching and installation included |
| Sheers | KSh 1,100–1,800Fabric, stitching and installation included |
The price within each range depends on your chosen fabric. Curtains and sheers are priced separately. Rods and tracks are quoted separately.
The total depends on the approved quantity for each layer, not simply the number of windows. Share your location, approximate window sizes and photos so we can confirm the fabric, quantities and hardware in an itemised quotation.
2× standard curtain fullness
Planned as part of the complete window treatment.
3× premium curtain fullness
Planned as part of the complete window treatment.
1.5× to 2× for sheers
Planned as part of the complete window treatment.
Measurement & Fitting
Confirm the opening and installation before final production.
Choose the Right Window Treatment
Start with the rod or track width and desired fullness, then account for fabric width, drop, hems, seams and pattern repeat.
Measure the Hardware
Use the finished rod or track width, including intended coverage beyond the window, rather than measuring only the glass.
Choose the Fullness
Fullness controls the depth and number of folds. Heading and fabric influence the most suitable ratio.
Confirm the Drop
Measure from the correct hook or rod position to the intended endpoint at the sill, below the sill or near the floor.
Check Fabric Width
Roll width, panel seams and pattern matching determine how the width estimate converts into purchased fabric.
The Basic Width Formula
Curtain width estimate = finished rod or track width × fullness. Standard curtains can begin at 2×, premium deeper folds at 3×, and sheers at 1.5× to 2×. This calculates gathered width, not the final cut length from the fabric roll.
Measurements, fabric or material, heading, hardware and installation should be confirmed together before the order is finalised.
Discuss Your WindowsCurtain Fabric Calculator
Estimate gathered width, number of standard-width drops and main-curtain fabric before requesting a final measurement.
How the Estimate Works
1. Calculate the gathered width
Multiply the finished rod or track width by the chosen fullness. A 300 cm track at 2× fullness needs 600 cm of finished gathered curtain width. This is the combined flat width of all curtain panels before they are drawn into folds; it is not automatically the number of linear metres to buy from a standard-width roll.
2. Convert width into vertical drops
Divide the gathered width by the usable fabric width and round up to the next complete drop. If the gathered width is 600 cm and the usable roll width is 140 cm, the curtain needs five vertical drops. Those drops are normally joined and divided between the left and right panels. The workroom may adjust the plan so seams and panel widths remain balanced.
3. Calculate the cut length of each drop
Add heading and hem allowance to the finished drop. When fabric has a pattern repeat, round that cut length up to a complete repeat so the pattern can align across adjoining widths. Multiply the final cut length by the number of drops, then divide centimetres by 100 to obtain estimated linear metres.
| Input | Why it matters | Common error |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware width | Sets the finished area the curtain must cover. | Measuring only the glass and ignoring side coverage. |
| Fullness | Controls total flat fabric width and fold depth. | Assuming every heading uses the same ratio. |
| Finished drop | Sets the visible curtain length. | Measuring from the ceiling instead of the actual hook position. |
| Usable fabric width | Determines how many vertical drops must be joined. | Using the advertised width without checking selvedges. |
| Pattern repeat | Adds length so motifs align across seams. | Buying exact plain-fabric metres for a patterned design. |
Worked example
For a 300 cm track, 240 cm finished drop, 2× fullness, 140 cm usable fabric width and 30 cm combined heading-and-hem allowance: gathered width is 600 cm; 600 ÷ 140 rounds up to five drops; each drop is 270 cm; five × 270 cm gives an estimated 13.5 linear metres. A pattern repeat can increase that quantity because every drop must be rounded up before multiplication.
What the calculator cannot decide
The calculator cannot inspect the actual window, choose the heading, judge fabric behaviour, plan seam placement or confirm whether a wide-width fabric should be railroaded. It also does not calculate lining separately. Use the result to understand the order of magnitude and prepare a quotation request, then verify the cutting plan with the person making the curtains.
How to Use This Guide Before You Order
Use the examples as a planning framework, then confirm the final dimensions, material and hardware for the actual opening. Small differences in width, drop, heading or fabric construction can change the required quantity and finished appearance.
Finished Size and Coverage
We measure the intended treatment position, not only the glass. Width, drop, overlap, stack-back space, floor clearance and nearby handles or furniture all affect the finished size.
2× standard curtain fullness
Curtain width estimate = finished rod or track width × fullness. Standard curtains can begin at 2×, premium deeper folds at 3×, and sheers at 1.5× to 2×. This calculates gathered width, not the final cut length from the fabric roll. The selection is checked against daylight, privacy, cleaning and how often the treatment will be opened.
Material, Heading and Hardware
Fabric weight, lining, fullness and heading must work with the rod or track. Confirming them together helps the treatment hang evenly, move freely and remain supported across the full span.
Clear Scope and Quotation
The quotation should identify the selected curtain and sheer fabrics, quantities, headings and any lining. Fabric, stitching and installation are included in the stated curtain and sheer ranges. Rods and tracks are quoted separately; any other agreed items should be clearly identified before approval.
Plan the Details That Change the Result
A strong choice should work when it is open, closed and used every day—not only when viewed as a fabric sample.
Start With the Main Requirement
Decide whether 2× standard curtain fullness, 3× premium curtain fullness or 1.5× to 2× for sheers matters most. Naming the priority first prevents a decorative choice from creating a practical problem later.
Check the Treatment in Both Positions
Consider the window when the treatment is closed and where the fabric, panels or blind will sit when open. Stack-back, projections, centre joins and side coverage affect views, daylight and access to handles.
Plan for Daily Operation
Think about who will use the treatment, how often it moves and how it will be cleaned. High or wide openings, heavy lined curtains and busy work areas may need different controls or hardware from a lightly used room.
Review the Complete Window Schedule
List every opening separately, even when several windows look similar. Record the location, finished width, drop, treatment type, material or fabric, colour, heading, lining, rod or track and installation notes. Repeated sizes can then be grouped, while unusual corners, doors or high windows remain visible in the scope.
Review samples in the room where possible because daylight, wall colour and artificial light can change how a material appears. Confirm which party supplies each item, whether old hardware must be removed, what surface preparation is included and how the finished treatment will be checked at handover. The approved schedule should agree with the quotation before fabrication begins.
Measured, Planned and Fitted
A clear process from the first enquiry to the finished installation.
2 Metre Track
Required gathered width: 4 m at 2× fullness or 6 m at 3×. A sheer layer needs 3–4 m at 1.5×–2×.
3 Metre Track
Required gathered width: 6 m at 2× fullness or 9 m at 3×. A sheer layer needs 4.5–6 m at 1.5×–2×.
4 Metre Track
Required gathered width: 8 m at 2× fullness or 12 m at 3×. A sheer layer needs 6–8 m at 1.5×–2×.
5 Metre Track
Required gathered width: 10 m at 2× fullness or 15 m at 3×. A sheer layer needs 7.5–10 m at 1.5×–2×.
Send the rod width, drop, heading and a photo so the estimate can be checked.
Send your location, room type, approximate window dimensions and photos on WhatsApp.
Details That Support a Better Finish
Width Is Only Step One
Final quantity also depends on the drop and fabric roll width.
Patterns Need Allowance
Large repeats may require extra fabric so adjoining panels align.
Confirm Before Cutting
A professional measurement prevents expensive quantity and drop errors.
Site Details Matter
For Nairobi projects, a site visit can confirm dimensions, fixing surfaces, access and installation conditions. Projects elsewhere in Kenya can be discussed according to location and scope. Share the town or neighbourhood, number of windows, room type, approximate measurements and clear photos when requesting a quotation.
Photos help identify likely options, but final production dimensions should come from the agreed measurement method. Where access, ceiling height, removal of existing hardware or surface preparation affects fitting, those items should appear in the scope before work starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do curtains and sheers cost?
Curtains cost KSh 1,800–2,500 per metre depending on fabric, including fabric, stitching and installation. Sheers cost KSh 1,100–1,800 per metre, also including fabric, stitching and installation, and are quoted separately from the main curtains. Rods and tracks are also quoted separately. Your total depends on the selected fabric and the quantity required for your windows.
What does 2× fullness mean?
It means using finished curtain width equal to twice the rod or track width before the fabric is gathered into folds.
Is the metre estimate the same as fabric to buy?
Not always. The estimate describes gathered width. Roll width, drop, seams, hems and pattern repeat affect the purchased quantity.
How much fullness do sheers need?
Around 1.5× gives a lighter finish, while 2× produces fuller folds. The chosen sheer and heading matter.
Should I measure the window or the rod?
Use the planned finished rod or track width because it normally extends beyond the glass.
Can Samar confirm my measurements?
Yes. Share photos and preliminary dimensions, or arrange a measurement visit before ordering or cutting fabric.
Related Curtain Services and Guides
Curtains in Nairobi
Main made-to-measure curtain service.
Sheers and Curtains
Layer fabrics for privacy and daylight.
Rods, Rails and Tracks
Choose compatible curtain hardware.
Ready to Plan Your Windows?
Ask for measurement, material guidance and an itemised quotation.