Enter curtain planning details
How the calculator works
1) Effective span
Effective span = track width + left return + right return + overlap
2) Applied fullness
Applied fullness = greater of user fullness or style minimum
3) Finished fabric width
Finished fabric width = effective span × applied fullness
4) Main spaced hooks
Main hooks = ceil(finished fabric width ÷ target spacing) + 1
5) Final hook count
Total hooks = main hooks + extra edge hooks + reserve hooks
6) Average installed spacing
Average spacing = finished fabric width ÷ (total hooks − 1)
Style minimums used here: Flat 1.50x, Pencil 2.00x, Pinch 2.25x, Goblet 2.50x, Wave 1.80x.
Simple planning steps
- Choose your preferred measurement unit.
- Enter rod or track width.
- Add left return, right return, and center overlap values.
- Select the number of curtain panels.
- Pick the heading style and enter your desired fullness ratio.
- Set the target hook spacing for the finished curtain.
- Add extra edge hooks per panel for stronger ends.
- Include a reserve percentage for spares and replacements.
- Press calculate to show the result above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export your summary.
Sample curtain hook plans
| Rod Width (cm) | Heading Style | Panels | Target Spacing (cm) | Finished Fabric Width (cm) | Total Hooks | Hooks Per Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | Pencil Pleat | 2 | 10 | 344.00 | 42 | 21 |
| 220 | Pinch Pleat | 2 | 9 | 558.00 | 71 | 36 |
| 300 | Wave / Ripple | 4 | 12 | 601.20 | 65 | 17 |
These rows are illustrative planning examples. Final counts may vary with fabric weight, carrier type, and installer practice.
Common questions
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates a practical curtain hook count using width, returns, overlap, fullness, spacing, panel count, and spare allowance. It helps you plan purchases before installation.
2. Why is applied fullness sometimes higher than my entry?
Some heading styles need a minimum fullness to look correct. The calculator uses whichever value is greater: your entry or the selected style minimum.
3. Should overlap be entered once or twice?
Enter the total center overlap only once. It represents the combined covered area where curtain panels meet near the middle.
4. What are extra edge hooks per panel for?
They strengthen leading and outer edges where pulling and daily movement cause more stress. They are added on top of the evenly spaced hook count.
5. Can I use this for wave or ripple curtains?
Yes. Select the wave style, then enter your spacing target. The result still serves as a planning estimate because hardware systems differ by brand.
6. Does the calculator support inches?
Yes. Choose inches in the unit menu. Internally, values are converted for calculation, then shown back in your selected unit.
7. Why add reserve hooks?
Reserve hooks help cover breakage, future replacements, and small fitting changes. A small spare percentage is often cheaper than a second purchase later.
8. Is this a substitute for installer advice?
No. It is a planning tool. Always confirm special fabrics, heavy linings, motorized systems, and proprietary carriers with the product supplier or installer.