How to Measure for Blinds, Shades, and Shutters

Find your window treatment’s easy-to-follow measuring instructions or read up on our SureFit™ Guarantee!

Want to take a hands-off approach? Check out our professional installation help.

What do you need help measuring?

How to Measure Inside Mount Blinds

Inside mount window treatments are installed inside the window frame or casing - they provide a sleek, clean look which can showcase your window size and moldings. If you’re interested in measuring for inside mount blinds, follow these steps:

1. Measure the depth of your window frame. You’ll need this measurement to ensure your window recess meets the minimum depth requirement for an inside mount. Refer to the Mounting Requirements section for the window treatment you’ve chosen to ensure your window meets the requirement for an inside mount.
2. Measure the width of your window at the top, middle, and bottom of your window opening and circle the narrowest measurement of the three - this will be the number you submit for your window’s width. For solar shades and vertical blinds, record the width at the top of the window only.
3. Measure the height of your window opening in three places: left, center, and right. Use the smallest measurement if you’re measuring for sheer shades, vertical blinds, solar shades, or roller shades. For all other blinds and shades, use the longest measurement.
4. Order at the exact opening size with no deductions. The factory will take deductions in production.
5. Double check that your measurements follow the width by height format (W x H).

How to Measure Outside Mount Blinds

Outside mount window treatments are mounted on the window molding, wall, or ceiling above your window. Outside mount blinds or shades can make your windows appear wider and longer while also providing better light control and privacy options. You may be required to install an outside mount if your windows do not have sufficient mounting depth. Follow these simple steps to measure your windows for an outside mount window treatment:

1. Measure above the window first to make sure you have at least 2" of flat space on the molding or wall.
2. Next, measure the width you want covered. Blinds.com recommends at least 1.5" of overlap on each side of the window for blinds and shades, and 2" of overlap on each side for solar or roller shades and vertical blinds. The extra width provides more privacy and light blockage. As always, record your measurements down to the nearest 1/8 inch.
3. Determine the location of the headrail - or top - of the window treatment. This could be installed on the window molding (if there is enough flat surface) or wall.
4. Measure the height of each window from the mark you just made to where you want the bottom of your window treatment to rest. Consider if you want your window treatment to extend to the sill or lower. If you have a protruding window sill, it is recommended that it be your bottom placement.
5. Be aware of obstructions such as doorknobs or molding. If you have obstructions, spacer blocks or extension brackets are available to help your blind or shade extend far enough to avoid protrusions.
6. Do not take deductions from your measurements.
7. Double check that your measurements follow the width by height format (W x H).

Blinds.com SureFit™ Guarantee

Blinds.com offers an exclusive SureFit™ Guarantee. We make sure you have complete peace of mind when measuring for any product we offer.

If you made a mistake measuring your blind, we’ll remake it at no cost to you. You don’t even pay for the return shipping of your old blind! You only pay if there’s a difference in price between your old and new blind, or if the new blind requires a shipping fee (generally, this applies when it’s over 94" wide).

Important Disclaimer:

• Limit 1 remake per item; 4 item remakes per household per lifetime (unless the error is ours, in which case, we’ll make it right!).
• Same-product exchanges only, within 30 calendar days of receipt of package.
• Changes are restricted to size and mount only.
• Refunds are not offered under this guarantee.

Not covered under this guarantee:

• Commercial orders: any order containing 25 or more of the same product, of tax exempt status, or containing any Blinds.com Commercial brand product.
• Any product ordered outside our recommended sizes or specifications, which can be found on the product page.