In the US, the standard curtain width would be 54”. But generally, it ranges from 50-58”. Some curtain manufacturers even go for as long as 108”. Again, knowing the curtain width is as essential as the length because you have to align it with standard curtain sizes.
Width: When we list or write curtain measurements, the width always comes before the drop. Ready-made curtains are available in three standard widths: 112 cm (44 inches), 167 cm (66 inches) or 228 cm (90 inches). You should choose the width that most closely matches the size of your track or pole.
Standard curtains come in three lengths—84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. "Generally, you want to stay away from the 84 inch standard curtains unless you have very low ceilings.
To get the measurements, measure the width of the rod from left to right. For instance, if your window measures 72” wide, you will need curtains that will give a maximum width of 144” (window width x 2 = 144”.)
How wide should curtains be? To ensure that curtain panels look ample when closed, they should have a combined width that is 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window/rod. That means if you are ordering Grommet style or Rod-pocket style, the total drapery width should be at least 2 times the window/rod widths.
For example, for a 60-inch window with two curtain panels, add 24 inches to 60 inches (window width) and divide by 2 (number of panels) to get 42 inches. The two panels ordered each need to be at least 42 inches wide.
Curtain Width Guide
If you hang a 48-inch panel on a 48-inch window, there will be no fullness or draping. According to Curtainshop.com, finished curtains should be twice the width of the window, so if your window is 36 inches wide, you need panels that are at least 72 inches across.
Measure the width of the rod from left to right. A common rule for displaying curtains properly says the curtains finished width should be at least 2 times the width of your window (if not more - sheers can be 3 times the window width) to achieve a look of proper fullness.
The actual amount of gather depends on heading styles and personal preference, but as a general rule the width of your curtains should amount to double the width of your track. This is referred to as 'two times gather'.
For example, if you measure your window and it is 150cm (59”) wide you be looking for curtains with a minimum width of 66” so you can get a nice full gather.
Most ready-made curtains come in these widths: 117cm (46”), 168cm (66”) or 228cm (90”). To work out which one you need, measure the length of the rail or pole (between the finials), not the window. This measurement is the width of each curtain and means they'll have a lovely, full gather even when closed.
Example: If your window measures 36″ wide (window width x 2 = 72″), you need curtains that will give a minimum width of 72″ or 2 panels for that window. In this case 2 panels will give about 100″ to 120″ of width which will look nice and full.
Curtain measurements are always written with the width first and then the length. For example, a panel that is 46″ x 54″ is 46 inches wide and 54 inches long. Don't buy your curtains just so they're big enough to cover a window.
For a 120-inch window, how wide should curtains be? Depending on the weight of the fabric and how much you want the curtains to be. At least a width and a half is what I would recommend. 180 inches is the width of each curtain.
For the ideal middle ground, curtains should hover just above the floor. To find the right curtain length, measure from the floor to where you'll hang the rod (usually 4 to 6 inches above the window frame).
For the width, take your steel tape measure and take the full length measurement of your pole or track. For pencil pleats on a track, measure the drop by starting from the top of the track, and for pencil pleats on a curtain pole, measure from the eye of the curtain rings (where you'll be hooking your curtains into).
D. A - Pleated heading on a pole. Width of the pole between finials. Drop from the pole eyelets to your. finished length.
Following the rule of thumb, curtains for a 96-inch window should range between 192 and 240 inches wide. To get a fuller look, aim for 288 inches wide.
For example, if the window is 100 inches wide, the curtains should be made to 125 inches wide in order for them to hang off the window when in the open position. For an inside-mount curtain, measure from one edge inside the frame to the inside edge on the opposite side.
Size 117cm (46 inches) wide by 137cm (54 inches) drop.
The width is always the first measurement given, for example 46”x 54” (117cm x 137cm) means that each curtain is 46 inches (117cm) wide by 54 inches (137cm) drop. All curtains are sold as a pair unless stated otherwise.