How to Measure for 120 Inch Curtains | Drop That Goes to the Floor

For 120-inch curtains, start by measuring the rod width for fullness, then measure the drop from the rod to your desired endpoint.

One wrong measurement sends a 120-inch panel back to the store. The good news is that figuring out how to measure for 120 inch curtains takes about five minutes with a metal tape measure. The key is remembering that curtain sizes list width first and length second, so a 120-inch panel is built for a tall window where you want the fabric to reach the floor or pool slightly.

The Two Measurements That Matter

You only need two numbers, and you take them in a specific order. Measure the width of the area you want to cover first, then measure the length from your hanging hardware down to the endpoint.

For width, you are measuring the rod itself, not the window frame. Common guidance is to make the total curtain width about 1.5 to 2 times the width you want to cover for a full, gathered look. Some sources suggest 2 to 3 times for sheer or lightweight fabrics. Since 120 inches is the panel length, you will typically buy two panels and hang them side by side.

For the drop, the starting point depends entirely on your hardware:

• Rod with rings: measure from the bottom of the ring, not the rod itself.
• Rod without rings: measure from the top of the rod where the curtain header will sit.
• Ceiling track: measure from the track or the bottom of any gliders.
• Wall-mount track: measure from the mounting point to your endpoint.

Where Should the Rod Actually Go?

If you already have a rod installed, your job is easy. If not, decide placement before you measure anything else. You need to know where the rod sits to calculate the drop correctly.

Most guides recommend hanging the rod above the window frame to create height in the room. The common suggestions range from 4 inches to 10 inches above the frame, depending on ceiling height and the look you want. For a room with standard 8-foot ceilings, hanging a 120-inch panel usually means the rod goes near the ceiling line.

For width, extend the rod beyond the window frame on both sides. Sources commonly recommend 4 to 8 inches per side, or up to 12 inches per side for heavier fabrics that need stackback room when open. Allowing extra width means light still enters the window even when the curtains are drawn, and it makes the window look larger than it is.

Reading the Length Numbers on a 120-Inch Panel

When a package says 120 inches, that number is the finished length of the panel, measured from top to bottom. A 120-inch curtain generally suits floor-to-ceiling windows or rooms with very tall ceilings. It is not the width of the panel.

Before you commit to a 120-inch drop, decide exactly where the fabric should end:

• Sill length: ends at the bottom of the window sill, common for casual looks.
• Apron length: ends a few inches below the sill.
• Floor length: ends 1/2 to 1 inch above the floor.
• Puddle length: intentionally pools on the floor, usually adding 1 to 4 inches of extra fabric.

If a 120-inch panel pools too much on the floor, consider whether a shorter standard drop like 108 inches fits your room better. If you are buying for a specific room and want to explore tested options, our roundup of the best 120 inch curtains available now covers styles and fabrics that handle tall drops well.

Use a steel or metal tape measure, not a cloth one from a sewing kit, since fabric tape stretches. Round your measurements to the nearest 1/8 inch to keep things accurate, and measure each window individually. Windows in the same room often differ by half an inch or more, which matters when you order custom panels.

Your Final Measuring Checklist

Here is the complete sequence that covers nearly every installation. Work through it in this order and you will not miss a step.

1. Install the rod at your chosen height first, because the drop depends on it.
2. Measure the rod width from end to end, including finials only if they are part of the covered area.
3. Multiply the covered width by 1.5 to 2 to confirm your panel count gives full coverage.
4. Measure the drop from the ring bottom or rod top down to your chosen endpoint.
5. Confirm the 120-inch length works with that drop, or adjust your endpoint.

If you are measuring a very tall window or a high ceiling, have someone hold the bottom of the tape straight while you read the top. A sagging tape adds errors, and getting help keeps the measurement straight.