How To Measure Roller Shades

Everything you need to properly measure for your new roller shades

Getting Started

What You Will Need

  • Steel Tape Measure
  • Step Ladder (if necessary)
  • Pencil

Basic Measuring Tips:

Using the steel measuring tape - measure to the nearest 1/8" of an inch, if the size is on 1/8.

Determining Inside or Outside Mount

Inside mount roller shades:

  • Have a cleaner look. Inside mount roller shades are mounted inside your window frame.
  • Most energy efficient
  • Most common choice - Recommended

Outside mount roller shades:

  • Will cover beyond your window opening in width and height
  • Minimizes light gaps for more privacy and light control
  • Recommended for out of square windows or with minimal depth

Measure for Inside Mount

measuring for inside mount blinds or shades
  • Start measurement at the depth where your brackets will be installed
  • Measure width at the top, middle, and bottom of opening edge to edge
  • Record narrowest measurement of the 3 to the nearest 1/8" **Inside Mount Shades will have a small deduction taken by the factory to fit inside the opening**
  • Start height in 3 places left, middle and right edge to edge
  • Record tallest measurement of the 3 to the nearest 1/8"

Measure for Outside Mount

measuring for outside mount blinds or shades
  • Measure the width of the area you want to cover (1 1/2" overlap on each side recommended)
  • Record measurement **Outside Mount Shades will be made to your exact measurement**
  • Determine where you want the top of your blind to be positioned and mark the spot
  • Measure height to be covered from the top of marked headrail position to top of sill. If no sill exist, measure below the opening to your desired length
  • Record measurement