Enter the distance of your window recess from wall to wall into the calculator to determine the net curtain distance.
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Net Curtain Formula
This calculator estimates the total width of net curtain needed to cover a window recess with a balanced amount of gather. It assumes the curtain should be twice the width of the measured opening, which is a common approach for a soft, lightly pleated look.
NCW = WW * 2
- NCW = net curtain width
- WW = window recess width
In practical terms, measure the width of the recess from one side to the other, then double that value to find the total curtain width needed.
How to Use the Calculator
- Measure the inside width of the window recess from wall to wall.
- Enter that measurement into the calculator.
- Read the result as the total width of net curtain required.
- If you are using two curtain panels, split the total width evenly between them.
PW = NCW / 2
- PW = width of each panel when using a pair
What the Result Means
The calculator gives you the full curtain width needed across the opening, not the length or drop of the curtain. If you purchase ready-made net panels, add the stated panel widths together and compare that total to the calculator result. If you are sewing your own curtain, use the result as the target width before final hanging and gathering.
Example
If the window recess measures 50 inches across, the required net curtain width is 100 inches in total.
NCW = 50 * 2 = 100
If you want two equal panels, each panel should be 50 inches wide.
PW = 100 / 2 = 50
Quick Reference Table
| Window Recess Width | Total Net Curtain Width | Two Equal Panels |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 48 in | 24 in each |
| 36 in | 72 in | 36 in each |
| 48 in | 96 in | 48 in each |
| 50 in | 100 in | 50 in each |
| 60 in | 120 in | 60 in each |
| 72 in | 144 in | 72 in each |
Measuring Tips
- Measure the recess width in a straight line from one inside edge to the other.
- Use the narrowest accurate measurement if the opening is slightly uneven.
- Do not measure only the glass unless the curtain is intended to cover only the glass area.
- Keep width and drop separate: this calculator solves curtain width, not curtain length.
Why Curtain Width Is Usually Larger Than the Window Width
Net curtains need extra width so the fabric can gather instead of hanging flat and stretched. That additional width improves appearance, light diffusion, and daytime privacy. A curtain that matches the opening exactly can look tight and may leave the installation looking sparse.
Before Ordering Fabric or Panels
- Confirm whether the stated product width is per panel or combined width.
- Check whether hems, heading tape, or shrinkage allowance need to be added separately.
- Measure the curtain drop from the intended hanging point to the desired finished length.
- If the curtain will extend beyond the recess, measure the full covered span rather than only the recess width.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the width of one panel as though it were the total required width.
- Confusing window width with curtain drop.
- Measuring the visible glass instead of the actual area to be covered.
- Forgetting to divide the total width when planning a two-panel setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the calculator return the width for one curtain or both?
It returns the total width needed across the opening. If you are hanging two panels, divide that total evenly between them.
Can I use this for a single panel?
Yes. In that case, use the full result as the width of the single net curtain panel.
Does this calculator determine curtain length?
No. Curtain length must be measured separately from the top hanging point down to the desired finished drop.
What if I want a flatter or fuller look?
This calculator is built around a simple double-width assumption. If you want a flatter appearance, use less total width. If you want heavier gathering, use more total width than the calculator result.
