Roller shades are a versatile and practical addition to any living space, but you need accurate measurements to achieve your desired look. Accurate measurements will help ensure that the roller shades are a great fit. We frequently get asked about how to measure roller shades. In this guide, you will discover how fast and easy it is to measure roller shades, so let’s dive into how to take window measurements!

What You Will Need

Some of the tools needed include the following

• Your tape measure
• Your step ladder
•  A pen and a sheet of paper

Pro-Tips That You Should Know Before Installing Your Roller Shades

• When it comes to measuring roller shades, not all types of tape measures are equal. A steel tape measure is a more suitable option for the job as it allows for accurate measurements.
•  You will only need to know the width and height (drop length) but try not to mix it up. Use the width by height (W x H) format and mark them as such.
• Using the steel measuring tape, measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. You don’t need to round up or down to the nearest half or whole inch.
•  If you measure for more than one window, you will have to measure them individually. Contrary to assumptions, all windows are not the same size even if they look alike.
• When it comes to measuring window treatments, you need to measure both inside and outside for effective light blockage.
  

How to Measure the Inside Mount Roller Shades

Measuring Window Width

1. Take three measurements of the width (side to side) of the inside edge of your window frame. Measure the top, middle and bottom of the recess.
2. Take all the measurements and round to the nearest 1/8th inch, rounding down for width if necessary. (For example, if a measurement reads 20 9/16, round down to 20 ½, but if it’s 20 3/8, you don’t have to round down.
3. Write down the smallest measurement of the 3 as your blind width.
4. Use the exact measurements and make NO adjustments or deductions. The factory will make your blind slightly narrower than you specified to allow for operating clearance.

Measuring Window Height

1. Measure the height from the top inside edge, i.e., take the measurement in 3 places.
2. Take all the measurements and round to the nearest 1/8th inch, rounding down for width if necessary. (For example, if a measurement reads 20 9/16, round down to 20 ½, but if it’s 20 ½, you don’t have to run down.)
3. Write down the smallest measurement of the 3 as your blind height.

IMPORTANT:

1. The minimum window frame depth required for an inside mount is 2 3/4″. Make sure your window has enough depth to meet the requirements. 
2. Do not make any adjustments or take any deductions. Using your exact measurements and our expertise, we will build your shade to fit just right.

How to Measure the Outside Mount Roller Shades

Measure Window Width

• Measure the distance (from left to right) outside your window opening or how wide you will like the blind to cover.
• To prevent light from leaking, the blind should overlap the window opening. So be sure to measure wide enough to cover the entire window opening so you’d get a maximum blockage.
• For example, if your window measures 30” wide, you should overlap it by at least 2”-3” on each side. In other words, you should add at least 4 inches on both sides. You can even order a wider blind if the space allows.

Measuring Window Height

• Measure the distance (top or bottom) from where the top of the shade will be located to the window sill. Alternatively, you can measure to the point you’d like the shade to cover if there’s no window sill.
• To prevent light from peeking in, the shade should overlap the window opening, so be sure to measure wide enough to cover the entire window opening so you’d get a maximum blockage.

IMPORTANT:

1. A min. clearance of 2” flat surface above the window is required. 
2. The size you ordered is the size of the product, cassette size included.
3. If there is room, add at least 3” on each side of the window frame and to the height for light gap coverage and maximum privacy.

What Happens If the Windows Have Molding or Trim?

• Take measurements of the trim, starting from the extreme left edge to the farthest point on the right.
• If your preference is wood shade, faux wood shade, aluminum shade or any other variant with an end mount bracket, make a ¼” deduction from the measurement since the end brackets require some space to mount onto the trim.
• You will have to either expose some of the trim or all of it. For some of it, take a measurement of the window opening and add the amount of trim you want to be covered to each side of the window opening size. But to expose all the trim, simply measure the window opening.
• Measure the window trim's exact height (from top to bottom). To mount the shade above the window trim, take measurements of the height – from at least 2“ above the top edge of the trim to the bottom.
  
  

Where Can I Purchase the Best Smart Roller Shades?

If you follow the guide above, you should be able to measure for roller shades in just about 5 minutes. Now that you have the measurement of the shades to order, you may be wondering how to buy motorized window blinds. You must be sure you are ordering blinds from a reliable manufacturer such as Go Smart Blinds, renowned for the highest quality roller shades. Visit Go Smart Blinds today for top-quality blinds.