Estimate curtain cost from window width, height, fullness, fabric price, and extras, plus fabric length and a budget range for planning.
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Curtain Cost Formula
The calculator runs in two modes. The window estimate mode sizes the fabric based on your window, then prices it. The fabric length mode skips the sizing and prices a length you already know.
Window estimate mode:
Drops = ceil(Width * Fullness / FabricRollWidth) CutHeight = FinishedHeight + Allowance FabricLength = Drops * CutHeight Cost = (FabricLength / PriceUnit) * Price + Extras
Fabric length mode:
Cost = (FabricLength / PriceUnit) * Price + Extras
- Width: track or window width.
- Fullness: multiplier for gather, usually 1.8 to 3.0.
- FabricRollWidth: the width of the fabric bolt, typically 54 in or 110 in.
- FinishedHeight: the curtain length you want when hung.
- Allowance: extra fabric for header and hem, default 8 in.
- Drops: number of full fabric widths needed, rounded up.
- FabricLength: total running length of fabric to buy.
- Price and PriceUnit: cost per yard, foot, or meter.
- Extras: lining, rod, labor, and other line items.
The window mode handles the sizing math for you so you can enter raw window dimensions and a fabric price. The fabric length mode is the shortcut when a workroom or pattern has already told you the yardage. Both modes return a point estimate plus a 10% to 15% range so you can plan a budget.
Typical Values and Price Ranges
Use these tables to sanity check your inputs before you order.
| Curtain style | Fullness | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Flat panel | 1.0x | No gather, modern |
| Tab top, grommet | 1.8x | Light wave |
| Standard pleated | 2.2x | Common pinch pleat |
| Rich folds | 2.5x | Full drape |
| Luxury | 3.0x | Heavy gather, formal |
| Fabric grade | Price per yard | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Low | $6 to $12 | Polyester sheers, basic cotton |
| Standard | $15 to $25 | Cotton blends, faux linen |
| Premium | $28 to $45 | Pure linen, woven jacquard |
| Luxury | $50 to $90+ | Velvet, silk, designer prints |
Worked Example and FAQ
Example. A 72 in track, 84 in finished height, 2.2x fullness, 54 in fabric, 8 in allowance, $18 per yard.
- Full fabric width = 72 * 2.2 = 158.4 in
- Drops = ceil(158.4 / 54) = 3
- Cut height = 84 + 8 = 92 in
- Fabric length = 3 * 92 = 276 in = 7.67 yd
- Cost = 7.67 * $18 = about $138 in fabric
Why round drops up? Fabric is sold in full widths off the bolt. You cannot stitch a partial drop, so any fraction becomes a full additional drop.
Should I add for pattern repeat? Yes, if the fabric has a large pattern. Add one repeat length to each drop after the first, or roll that allowance into the header and hem field.
Does the price include lining and labor? Only if you enter them in the extras field. The fabric calculation by itself covers face fabric only. Lining usually runs $4 to $10 per yard, and workroom labor for pleated panels often runs $80 to $200 per panel.
Why does the result show a range? Curtain projects almost always run 10% to 15% over the base fabric estimate due to pattern matching, mistakes, and shrinkage from washing. Plan to the upper end of the range.
