At Shading Master, we offer a diverse range of products, each with its unique measuring requirements. Fortunately, we’ve simplified the process of correctly measuring your windows for blinds and shades. Our instructions are thoughtfully divided into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring precise measurements for any type of shade or blind in our collection. Save time, money, and your peace of mind by getting it right on your first try with these measuring guidelines.
Here are some essential tips and reminders:
- Use a steel measuring tape. Do not use a fabric tape measure.
- When using an imperial scale for measuring windows to customize roller blinds, the margin of error is typically within 1/8″. Round your measurements to the nearest 1/8″ for width. For instance, if you measure a width of 33 15/16″, consider it as 33 7/8″. Also, round your measurements to the nearest 1/8″ for height.
- When using a metric scale for measuring windows to customize roller blinds, the margin of error is typically within 3 mm.
- Clearly record the measurement values – width and height.
Keep in mind that for inside mount installations, you should provide measurements as indicated above. Our factory will handle the necessary deductions on each side to ensure your blind operates smoothly, so there’s no need to account for these deductions in your measurements.
Click to learn How to Read an Imperial Tape Measure
In the diagram provided, you'll see a series of large numbers marked 1, 2, 3, and 4, which correspond to whole inches. So, 1 = 1 inch, 2 = 2 inches, and so on. Between these numbers, you'll find shorter marks representing fractions of an inch. The mark in the middle of an inch denotes 1/2 inch, while the marks on either side represent 1/4 and 3/4 inch, respectively. Smaller marks denote 1/8 and 1/16 inch (highlighted in red).
For example, a 16-foot tape measure will have sixteen one-foot marks and 192 one-inch marks (12 inches per foot). Each inch is then divided into eight 1/8-inch marks and sixteen 1/16-inch marks.
General Tips:
- The hook or 'tang' at the end of the tape measure's blade is typically made of metal and may appear to move slightly. This is normal and allows it to provide accurate measurements when pressed against an object (for internal measurements) or hooked around an object (for external measurements).
- Some pocket tape measures have a known case length (e.g., 7cm), while others compensate for case length on the blade or use a viewing window. Most tapes require users to account for the case length themselves, especially when taking internal measurements.
Safety Tips:
- When rewinding the tape measure, never allow the blade and hook to return uncontrolled at full speed, as this can be dangerous. Safety glasses or goggles are recommended when using a tape measure.
- Some tape measures may have steel blades with relatively sharp edges, so use caution to avoid injury, especially when retracting the tape quickly.
Depth Requirements
- You first have to make sure your window has enough mounting depth for an inside mount.
Measuring the width
- Measure the exact width (left to right) of the inside top edge of the window frame.
- Write down that size making sure that it is the first number of the measurement. This is the width you will order.
- Deductions that will be made by our factory.
Measuring the height
- Measure the exact height (top to bottom) from the top inside edge down to the window sill in three places.
- Take the largest of the three measurements.
- Write down that size making sure that it is the second number of the measurement. This is the height you will order.
- Roller shades will come with extra fabric to conceal the roller.
NOTE: Width and length measurements may vary +/- 1/8
Flat surface requirements
- First decide where you want to mount the shade outside of the window frame. Make sure you have a minimum of 2 ½” of flat space. To find the product’s specific mounting requirements, refer to the information in the “Product Info” tab on whatever product you’re ordering.
Measuring the width
- Measure the exact width (left to right) of the wooden or metal window frame or how wide you would like the blind or shade to be.
- Use that measurement and add at minimum of four inches, which is 2” for each side. This will ensure the window is properly covered.
- Write down that size making sure that it is the first number of the measurement. This is the width you will order.
- Deductions that will be made by our factory:
Measuring the height
- When measuring the window’s height, take it from three locations: the top, middle, and the bottom.
- You’ll use the largest of the three measurements and add a minimum of four inches, which is two for the top and two for the bottom. This ensures the window will be properly covered.
- Now you have the perfect height and you’re ready to order.
- Roller shades will come with extra fabric to conceal the roller.
NOTE: Width and length measurements may vary +/- 1/8
