Custom Drapery Cost Calculator

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custom drapery cost calculator
Calculate by Window Dimensions
Estimated Project Cost:
$0.00
Enter values above to calculate.
function calculateDrapery(){var w=parseFloat(document.getElementById('win_width').value);var h=parseFloat(document.getElementById('win_height').value);var f=parseFloat(document.getElementById('fullness').value);var p=parseFloat(document.getElementById('fab_price').value);var fw=parseFloat(document.getElementById('fab_width').value);var l=parseFloat(document.getElementById('labor').value);if(isNaN(w)||isNaN(h)||isNaN(f)||isNaN(p)||isNaN(fw)||isNaN(l)){alert('Please fill in all fields with valid numbers');return;}var totalWidthNeeded=w*f;var numPanels=Math.ceil(totalWidthNeeded/fw);var cutLength=h+16;var totalInches=numPanels*cutLength;var totalYards=Math.ceil((totalInches/36)*10)/10;var fabricTotal=totalYards*p;var grandTotal=fabricTotal+l;document.getElementById('resultSummary').innerHTML='$'+grandTotal.toFixed(2);var stepsText='Step-by-Step Breakdown:
';stepsText+='1. Total Fabric Width Required: '+w+'" × '+f+' = '+totalWidthNeeded.toFixed(1)+'"
';stepsText+='2. Number of Fabric Cuts (Widths): '+totalWidthNeeded.toFixed(1)+'" / '+fw+'" = '+numPanels+' cuts
';stepsText+='3. Vertical Cut Length (including hems): '+h+'" + 16″ = '+cutLength+'"
';stepsText+='4. Total Yardage: ('+numPanels+' × '+cutLength+'") / 36 = '+totalYards.toFixed(1)+' yards
';stepsText+='5. Fabric Cost: '+totalYards.toFixed(1)+' yards × $'+p+' = $'+fabricTotal.toFixed(2)+'
';stepsText+='6. Grand Total: $'+fabricTotal.toFixed(2)+' + $'+l+' labor = $'+grandTotal.toFixed(2);if(document.getElementById('show_steps').checked){document.getElementById('resultSteps').innerHTML=stepsText;}else{document.getElementById('resultSteps').innerHTML=";}}

Calculator Use

The custom drapery cost calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, interior designers, and DIY enthusiasts looking to budget for professional window treatments. Calculating the price of custom curtains involves more than just measuring the window height; it requires accounting for fullness, hems, headers, and fabric width. This tool simplifies the process by providing a comprehensive estimate based on industry-standard formulas.

Window Width & Height
The actual dimensions of the window frame or the area you wish to cover. Always measure in inches for the most accurate fabric calculation.
Fullness Factor
This represents how much fabric is used relative to the window width. A factor of 2.0 (standard) means the fabric is twice as wide as the window. For a luxurious look, 2.5 or 3.0 is recommended.
Fabric Price per Yard
The cost of your chosen textile. Custom fabrics typically range from $30 to $150+ per yard.

How It Works

The calculator uses a professional drapery formula to ensure you don't under-order material. When you use the custom drapery cost calculator, the logic follows these specific steps:

Total Yards = ((Window Width × Fullness / Fabric Width) × (Window Height + 16)) / 36

  • The "16-Inch Rule": We add 16 inches to your window height to account for the top header (pleats) and the bottom hem (usually double 4-inch hems).
  • Rounding: Drapery panels must be made from whole widths of fabric. The calculator rounds up to the nearest full width to ensure the pattern matches.
  • Yardage Conversion: Since fabric is sold by the linear yard, we divide the total inch count by 36.

Calculation Example

Example: Imagine you have a large living room window that is 72 inches wide and 96 inches high. You've selected a silk fabric for $60/yard and want a high fullness of 2.5. The labor and hardware installation is a flat $200.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Width Calculation: 72″ × 2.5 Fullness = 180″ total width.
  2. Cuts Needed: 180″ / 54″ (Standard Fabric Width) = 3.33, rounded up to 4 full widths.
  3. Cut Length: 96″ Height + 16″ Hems = 112″ per cut.
  4. Total Yardage: (4 cuts × 112″) / 36 = 12.44 yards (rounded to 12.5).
  5. Fabric Cost: 12.5 yards × $60 = $750.00.
  6. Total Project Cost: $750.00 + $200 (Labor) = $950.00.

Common Questions

Why is the fullness factor so important?

Fullness prevents your drapes from looking like a flat sheet when closed. A 2.0x fullness is the absolute minimum for custom work; 2.5x is the "gold standard" for pleated drapery, and 3.0x is used for sheer fabrics or very high-end installations.

What is the standard width of drapery fabric?

Most upholstery and drapery fabrics in the US are 54 inches wide. Some European "double-wide" fabrics are 108 to 118 inches wide, which can significantly reduce the number of seams and the total yardage needed. Our custom drapery cost calculator defaults to 54″ but can be adjusted.

Should I include lining in my cost?

Yes. If your fabric choice does not include lining, you should add the cost of lining (typically $10-$20/yard) to your "Fabric Price" input. Lining protects the face fabric from UV damage and improves the "drape" or hang of the window treatment.

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