You've chosen the perfect window treatment—now it's time to measure your windows for a flawless fit. You're in the right place! Our step-by-step guides will walk you through the process with ease.

Let's get started!

What You’ll Need

Steel Measuring Tape
Pencil
Blinds.com Measuring Worksheet
Step Ladder (If Necessary)

Blinds & Shades Measuring Tips

Always record your measurements in the width by height format (W x H)
If you’re measuring more than one window frame, measure each frame individually. Never assume they’re the same size, even if they look alike.
Always measure to the nearest 1/8” (If a size falls on a 1/16” mark, round down the nearest 1/8” mark for width and round up to the nearest 1/8” mark for height)

Always Here to Help

If you have any questions or need a bit of guidance along the way, our expert design consultants are here to help. Give us a call at 800-505-1905.

Prefer to have a licensed professional handle the measuring? No problem! Check the availability of our vetted experts in your area here.

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Before starting, find the depth of your window. This is important because some window treatments require a minimum window depth for an inside mount. This requirement can be found on the window treatment’s product page under “Product Specifications.”

You can find the depth of your window by measuring from its opening to the glass at the left, center and right. Use the smallest measurement as the depth of your window frame. Tip: Be mindful of any obstructions, such as latches or handles.

If your window has enough depth, great! Choose whichever mount matches your personal style. If it doesn’t, then an outside mount is required.

Inside-mounted treatments fit within the window frame for a clean, built-in look
Outside-mounted treatments are installed on the wall or above the window molding, making windows appear larger while offering enhanced light control and privacy

Measuring for Traditional Blinds and Shades

Inside Mount

Find the Width: Measure the window frame from left to right at its top, middle and bottom. Circle the smallest measurement; this is the measurement you’ll submit.
Find the Height: Measure the frame from top to bottom at its left, center and right. Circle the largest measurement; this is the measurement you’ll submit.
When ordering, input the exact measurements in the width by height (W x H) format with no deductions. If any deductions are needed, the factory will apply them during production.

Outside Mount

Find the Width: Measure the width of space you want covered. We recommend at least a 2 1/2" overlap on both the left and right side of the window.
Find the Height: Determine where you want the top of the window treatment to be. We recommend starting at least 3” above the top of the frame to accommodate for mounting hardware. If you have a protruding windowsill, simply measure from your starting point to the windowsill. If not, we recommend measuring to at least 2” below the windowsill for maximum coverage.
When ordering, input the exact measurements in the width by height (W x H) format. Your window treatment will be made to these exact measurements. No adjustments will be made by the factory.

Spacer blocks or extension brackets are available to help extend the window treatment far enough to pass obstructions such as doorknobs or molding.

Special Considerations

Vertical Blinds

Inside Mount: Record the width at the top of the frame only. When measuring the height, circle and submit the smallest measurement.
Replacement Vanes: Measure from top of the headrail to the bottom of the vane and submit this as the height. Do not submit just the height of the vane.

Sheer and Dual Sheer/Zebra Shades

Inside Mount: Record the width at the top of the frame only. When measuring the height, circle and submit the smallest measurement.

Solar Shades

Inside Mount: Record the width at the top of the frame only.

Measuring for Curtains & Draperies

1. Determine the Rod Placement

Where you place your drapery rod affects both the final height and the width you need.

Mount the rod at least 6” above the window frame to create the illusion of height. If this isn’t possible, we recommend mounting the rod halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling.

Extend the rod 6” past each side of the window frame (12” total) to avoid excessive light gaps and to make the window appear wider and allow more light in when open.

Note: Inside Mount Note: Inside-mounted curtains are less common. For assistance, call 800-505-1905 to speak with a Design Consultant.

2. Find the Width

Select the exact width you want your panel(s) to cover.

Fullness Explained

Custom curtains and drapes are made with 200–300% fullness, meaning more fabric is used than the measured width to give it a rich, pleated look. This increase is applied in the factory.

Example: Ordering a 24” panel means it will be made with at least 48” of fabric.

Side Panels (Decorative Only)

These are meant to stay open and frame the window.
Measure and order the exact width you want covered.

Example: Want 24" covered? Order 24" wide panel

Full-Coverage Curtains (Functional)

To fully cover the window when closed:

Measure the width of the window frame (edge to edge).
Add 6" to each side (12" total) to allow for full coverage and light blockage Example: 48” window + 12” = 60” total width
Determine the number of panels you want and divide the total width by the number of panels

Note:

You are not required to order more than one panel unless your total window width exceeds the maximum width of a single panel
If you prefer one panel, you would order one 60” wide curtain or drape.
If you prefer two or more panels, select the “Split Panels” option on the order form. This will give you two 30” wide panels that together cover the full 60”.

3. Find the Length (Height)

Mark where you plan to mount your rod brackets.
Measure from that point down to where you want the curtains or draperies to fall (e.g. just above the floor)
Use this measurement when placing your order.

Note: Don’t install hardware until you receive your window treatment.

Quick Note on Length Preferences

Depending on your desired look, you may adjust your length measurement:

Valance: 10” – 30” in length; commonly used with outside mounts to add visual height or cover hardware
Floor Length: Ends about 1/2” (smooth flooring) or 1” (carpet) above the floor; ideal for everyday use
Break/Sweep: Add 1”– 3” for a gentle bend at the floor
Puddle: Add 6”-12” for a dramatic, decorative look; best for stationary panels

Additional Tips

Rod width ≠ finished width: the measurement you use for drape with should not include finials. Finials may add 1”– 7” per side.
Drapes don’t pass over support brackets, which is important if using one wide pleated panel. To work around this, consider using C-rings, which allow pleats to pass over the brackets.

Measuring for Interior Shutters

1. Check for "Squareness"

Measure the diagonal points of the window.

If the difference in the two measurements less than 1/2”, the window is considered “out of square” and an outside mount is recommended.
If the difference is more than 1/2", a different style of window treatment is recommended.

2. Find the Depth

Measure from the opening of the window frame to the glass.

Depth is important because louver shutters need clearance to tilt depending on the brand and frame style. The depth requirement of your chosen window treatment can be found in the “Product Specifications” section of its page.

3. Find the Width

Measure the frame from left to right at its top, middle and bottom.

Inside Mount: Circle the smallest measurement; this is the measurement you’ll submit.
Outside Mount: Circle the largest measurement; this is the measurement you’ll submit.

4. Find the Height

Measure the frame top to bottom at the left, center and right.

Interior Mount: Circle the smallest measurement; this is the measurement you’ll submit.
Outside Mount: Circle the largest measurement; this is the measurement you’ll submit.

Ordering Your Shutters

When ordering, input the exact measurements in the width by height (W x H) format.

The factory will adjust the sizing to the appropriate dimensions for your chosen shutter.

Divider Rail (Interior Mount Only)

If the opening measures 60 inches or more, a divider rail is required for structural stability.

Certain shutters will have the divider rail automatically positioned in the center, but others will let you decide the placement yourself.

Simply measure from the bottom of the window frame to you want the center rail to be located. The rail will be positioned within 1 1/2” of this measurement.

Measuring for Skylight Window Treatments

1. Ensure Corners are 90◦: If not, an outside mount is required.
2. Check for “Squareness”: Measure the diagonal points of the window.
If the difference in the two measurements is 1/4” or more, the window is considered “out of square” and an outside mount is required.
3. Find the Depth: Measure the frame from its opening to the window pane. Consider any obstacles, such as window cranks or handle.
Skylight window treatments typically need a minimum depth of 1 1/2”. The depth requirement of your chosen window treatment can be found in the “Product Specifications” section of its page.
4. Find the Width: Measure the frame from left to right at its top, middle and bottom.
Additionally, if the height exceeds 96”, measure the width at every 48”. Circle the smallest measurement, this will be the measurement you submit.
5. Find the Height: Measure the frame from top to bottom at the left, center and right.
Circle the smallest measurement, this will be the measurement you submit.
Additionally, if the height is more than 96”, measure the width every 48”, as extra mounting hardware may be needing.

When Ordering

When ordering, input the exact measurements in the width by height (W x H) format with NO deductions.

Considerations

Side mount is not available for cellular skylights.
Side tracks must be mounted for both inside mount and outside mount, except in cases where the shade doesn’t come with side tracks.

Measuring for Arch Window Treatments

Measuring arches may seem daunting, but our guides below make it easy. Before we start measuring, here are some things to consider:

The minimum window depth for inside-mounted arches is 1 1/2". If you want your window covering fully recessed (not sticking out of the window frame at all), the minimum depth is 2 1/4”.
Most arches are bottom mount only, so make sure you have a good mounting surface at the base.
If you plan on stacking an arch on top of another window treatment, consider where the non-arch window covering will need to be mounted.
Side mounts for cellular (honeycomb) and pleated shades are available by request only and cannot be used on arches wider than 40”.
In some cases, you’ll need to provide a paper template of your window.

The style of your arch will determine how and where you measure your window. There are five main types of arches:

Perfect Arch: height is exactly 1/2 the width.
Palladian Arch: height is more than 1/2 the width.
Eyebrow Arch: height is less than 1/2 the width.
Elongated Arch: an eyebrow arch with two have two vertical (legs) sides leading up to where the arch begins.
Quarter Arch: half of a perfect, Palladian, eyebrow or elongated arch with a right angle.

If your style is not listed above, call us at 800-505-1905 and one of our expert design consultants will help you get the correct measurements.

Measuring for Perfect, Palladian and Eyebrow Arches

You’ll record two measurements.

Find the Width: Measure from left to right at the base of the arch.
Find the Height: Measure from the center of the width to the highest point of the arch.

Measuring for Elongated Arches

You’ll record four measurements.

Find the Width: Measure from left to right at the base of the arch.
Find the Height: Measure from the center of the width to the highest point of the arch.
Find Leg Height: Measure from the base to where the curve begins. Make sure to measure both legs, as the heights may be slightly different.

Measuring for Quarter Arches

Quarter arches follow the same measuring instructions as their base style with one exception.

Find the Width: Following the same process for the quarter arch’s base style (perfect, Palladian, Eyebrow or elongated).
Find the Height: Unlike their base styles, the straight side will determine the height. Find this height by measuring the straight side from the base to the tallest point.

For elongated quarter arches, you’ll still need to measure the legs. The easiest way to do this is by measuring from the base to where the curve begins on the edge opposite the straight side.

How to measure for quarter arches

Submitting Your Arch Measurements

Inside Mount

Submit the exact measurements in the width by height (W x H) format with NO deductions. If any deductions are needed, the factory will apply them during production.

Outside mount

Add at least 2” to both the measurements and input them in the width by height (W x H) format. Your window treatment will be made to these exact measurements.

Measuring for Angle-Top & Angle-Bottom Window Treatments

Angle-Top and Angle-Bottom windows have two distinct sections: the rectangular portion and the angle portion. These sections are important when measuring these types of windows.

If the angle portion is above the rectangular portion, it’s considered an “angle-top” window. If the angle portion is below the rectangular portion, it’s considered an “angle-bottom” window.

Outside Mount

The following instructions are specifically for inside-mounted angle window treatments. If you plan on getting an outside-mounted angle window treatment, simply follow the instructions below and add 2” to each final measurement.

1. Find the "Straight Width"

Measure from points