🪟 Curtain Pole Length Calculator
Find the perfect pole length for any window — includes overhang, bracket positions & ring counts
Each Side
Each Side
Window Frame
Clearance
| Window Width | Pole Length (12 in overhang) | Pole Length (6 in overhang) | Recommended Rings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 in / 61 cm | 48 in / 122 cm | 36 in / 91 cm | 5–7 |
| 36 in / 91 cm | 60 in / 152 cm | 48 in / 122 cm | 7–9 |
| 48 in / 122 cm | 72 in / 183 cm | 60 in / 152 cm | 9–11 |
| 60 in / 152 cm | 84 in / 213 cm | 72 in / 183 cm | 11–13 |
| 72 in / 183 cm | 96 in / 244 cm | 84 in / 213 cm | 13–15 |
| 90 in / 229 cm | 114 in / 290 cm | 102 in / 259 cm | 17–21 |
| 120 in / 305 cm | 144 in / 366 cm | 132 in / 335 cm | 23–27 |
| Panel Width | 4 in / 10 cm Spacing | 5 in / 13 cm Spacing | 6 in / 15 cm Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 in / 61 cm | 7 rings | 6 rings | 5 rings |
| 36 in / 91 cm | 10 rings | 8 rings | 7 rings |
| 48 in / 122 cm | 13 rings | 10 rings | 9 rings |
| 60 in / 152 cm | 16 rings | 13 rings | 11 rings |
| 72 in / 183 cm | 19 rings | 15 rings | 13 rings |
| 84 in / 213 cm | 22 rings | 18 rings | 15 rings |
| Pole Length | Brackets Needed | Max Unsupported Span | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 47 in / 120 cm | 2 (end only) | 47 in / 120 cm | No centre bracket needed |
| 48–71 in / 122–180 cm | 2–3 | 36 in / 91 cm | 1 centre bracket recommended |
| 72–95 in / 183–241 cm | 3 | 36 in / 91 cm | 1 centre bracket required |
| 96–119 in / 244–302 cm | 4 | 36 in / 91 cm | 2 centre brackets required |
| 120 in+ / 305 cm+ | 4+ | 36 in / 91 cm | 2+ centre brackets required |
| Room / Window Type | Typical Window Width | Recommended Pole | Pole Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | 24–36 in / 61–91 cm | 48–60 in / 122–152 cm | Single |
| Bedroom (small) | 36–48 in / 91–122 cm | 60–72 in / 152–183 cm | Single |
| Bedroom (master) | 48–60 in / 122–152 cm | 72–84 in / 183–213 cm | Double |
| Living Room | 60–72 in / 152–183 cm | 84–96 in / 213–244 cm | Double |
| Patio / French Doors | 72–96 in / 183–244 cm | 96–120 in / 244–305 cm | Double |
| Bay Window (single section) | 48–60 in / 122–152 cm | 72–84 in / 183–213 cm | Single per section |
For the right Length of the Curtain Pole everything seems a bit hard, but it simply comes down to measuring the window and adding some extra centimetres on both sides. The main rule is to measure the window frame and then add at least 15 cm on every side. Like this the suggested Length for the pole matches the window frame plus 30 cm.
When you plan to use heavier or wider curtains, you should add even more space on both sides, because dense material needs more area.
How to Measure and Choose a Curtain Pole
For curtains that hang in the niche, take away about 1 to 2 inches from the frame of the window. Here the curtains can hang freely, without getting stuffed against the frame. That measurement points the minimum needed Legnth for the pole.
If you extend the Curtain Pole past the frame of the window, expand it at least six inches each way. The extra Length gives more light and allows the curtains to form nice folds. Placing the end brackets at 10 to 15 cm past the frame supports stops gaps when the curtains close.
So a bit more Length is needed for the bottom hem and the finials.
Finials also add to the whole Length. For instance, if the Curtain Pole measures 150 cm and each finial 10 cm, the total reaches 170 cm. Placing the pole at 8 to 12 cm above the frame of the window is the usual spot.
It hides the upper fold of the curtains away from the eyes.
Poles longer than 240 cm need support from a central bracket, except in the case of special poles. For poles between 19 mm and 25 mm, the biggest Length without middle support is 180 cm. When trim or a radiator sticks out from the wall, longer brackets could be needed, so that the curtains hang before it.
The width of the pole also plays a role. The right thickness depends on the wait of the curtains. Poles of three-quarter-inch width work for light curtains or simple style.
One-inch poles are stronger and great for medium weight curtains. The available width ranges from 19 mm for lightweight fabric and goes up to 50 mm for heavy curtains of full Length with lining. Weighing the material of the curtain is the most reliable way to find what width the pole needs, instead of simply guessing based on kind of the fabric.
For window sizes, short poles of around 24 inches work for windows between 20 and 40 inches. Medium Length poles at 48 inches suit for windows of 40 to 84 inches. Curtains that hang as high and wide as possible is widely thebest choice.
At 6 to 8 inches from the ceiling it looks best.

