Drapery calculations can be a complex and intricate process, often involving various factors such as stack, widths, repeats, and fabric types. When clients are still deciding on their budget for window treatments, having a preliminary takeoff can be crucial. With fabricators often experiencing backlogs, presenting clients with a preliminary estimate using an Excel spreadsheet becomes an effective strategy to facilitate early approval. We understand that clients might experience sticker shock when confronted with the costs of window treatments, and the decision-making process can extend over months before final approval is granted. In such scenarios, a user-friendly Excel spreadsheet can serve as a valuable tool to provide clients with a tangible estimate, aiding them in the decision-making process while waiting for fabricators to catch up with demand.

1. Download the Excel Spreadsheet

The first step involves downloading the user-friendly Excel spreadsheet designed to streamline drapery calculations. We ask that you sign-up with your email address in order to download. We would love your feedback in the comments.

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Excel spreadsheet drapery calculator

Verify final quantities with fabricator. We are not responsible for any miscalculations. Email us if you would like in Google Sheets format. Functions are not the same.

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2. Enter the Fabric Width and Vertical Repeat

In the pink and coral boxes, input the fabric width and vertical repeat, respectively. Always order extra if you are unaware of how the repeat will effect the fabrication. Larger repeats will require more waste.

3. Window Dimensions and Panel Information

Enter the window width in the green cell, rod mounting height in the purple cell, and the number of panels on the window in the orange box. The rod mounting height can be 4-5″ above the window or 4-5″ below the ceiling. Use your own preferences. Make sure the projection of the brackets clear any millwork. We recommend adjustable depth brackets.

4. Customization for Non-Operable Drapery

For those seeking non-operable drapery, adjust fabric width, ring spacing, and rod extensions past the window as needed. The spreadsheet offers flexibility, allowing designers to choose between fuller, thicker drapes or more cost-effective options. The thicker the stack the more realistic the side panels will look. I personally dislike when designers slap on side panels where the rod doesn’t extend all the way across the window.

5. Automatic Calculation for Ripplefold

Ripplefold calculations are automatically generated below, considering a typical fullness of 1.875. Note that fabric stack is an estimate, and actual measurements will depend on selected carriers and rod types. Ripplefold tape comes in different spacing as well so adjust that accordingly on the spreadsheet.

6. Box & Pinch Pleat Considerations

Inverted box pleat calculations are grouped together with Pinch Pleats. Confirm with the fabricator’s preferences for double or triple pleats. A recommended fullness of 2.5 ensures proper coverage when the drapes are closed. The spreadsheet is currently set to a pinch pleat every 10 inches.

7. Box & Pinch Pleat Considerations

The spreadsheet serves as a helpful tool to estimate the prospective expenditure on fabric, aiding in the client’s preliminary budget approval. However, it’s crucial to request precise yardage quantities, rod lengths, and ring quantities from the fabricator for inclusion in formal proposals. It’s essential to recognize that calculating fabric yardages is an art, not an exact science. Designers should use their discretion and expertise in adjusting calculations to meet the specific needs of each project, keeping in mind the diverse variables that contribute to the complexity of drapery calculations.

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