When a shower curtain doesn’t fit right, you notice immediately. It might bunch awkwardly, leave a large gap at the bottom, or worse—let water sneak out onto your bathroom floor, creating a slipping hazard. The simple, permanent solution? Knowing exactly what size you need before you shop.
How to Measure Your Shower Space (The 2 Essential Steps)
Before buying your new curtain, grab a tape measure and accurately check these two critical dimensions:
Step 1: Determine the Required Width
Measure straight across from wall to wall (or edge to edge of the shower opening). To ensure the curtain doesn't pull taut and still allows for pleats and folds when closed, add 12 inches to that number.
- Example: A 60" wide tub needs a curtain that is about 72" wide.
- Why Add 12 Inches? This extra width provides necessary fullness and helps keep the water inside the tub when you use it.
- If you prefers a more gathered look or uses thicker hooks or rings, 12 to 18 inches of extra width is even better. But 12 inches is the minimum acceptable guidance.
Step 2: Determine the Required Length (Height)
Measure from your curtain rod down to the floor or tub edge.
- Goal for Bathtubs: You want the curtain to fall about 1–2 inches below the top of the tub edge. This ensures water stays inside the tub without the curtain touching the floor, which can lead to mildew and slow drying.
- Goal for Walk-in Showers: The curtain should hang just above the floor (by about half an inch) to prevent pooling and quicken drying. Some people prefer 1 inch of clearance, especially in humid bathrooms. Both work well to prevent pooling and allow faster drying.
💡 View our Shower Curtain Liner(15 Sizes Available)→
Which Curtain Size Fits Your Shower? A Quick Reference
| Your Setup | Recommended Size | Fit Tip |
| Standard Bathtub with average rod height | 72" x 72" | The most reliable choice for typical homes. |
| Small Standing Shower / Stall | 36" x 72" | Confirm your stall width before buying this narrower option. |
| Tall Ceilings or high mounted curtain rods | 72" x 84" or 72" x 96" | Extra-long curtains draw the eye up, making the bathroom feel larger. |
| Custom or Curved Rods | Measure the arc and add 12 inches to the total rod length. | Curved rods often require slightly wider curtains than standard. |
What these sizes have in common: they’re designed to hang just inside the tub or shower edge, long enough to keep water in, without dragging on the floor.
Pro Tip: If you’re between sizes, it’s always better to go wider and slightly longer. You can always adjust the hang height using the hooks or let it drape more; you cannot add width or length.
💡 View our Extra-Long Shower Curtain→
Curtain Tips That Make a Difference in Longevity
- Always Use a Liner: A separate waterproof liner is the true water barrier; it keeps your decorative fabric curtain clean and extends its life dramatically.
- Choose the Right Hooks or Rings: Make sure they match the number of grommets in your curtain and glide easily on your rod (C-hooks, rollers, etc.).
- Consider Material: Polyester is common and water-resistant; cotton looks soft but requires an excellent liner. Materials like EVA or PEVA offer strong water resistance without PVC.
Measuring your space might take an extra minute, but it makes a significant difference in how your bathroom looks and functions every day. The right size curtain keeps things dry, tidy, and effortlessly easy to use.
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Just a thank-you for reading, and a nudge toward a bathroom that feels a little more finished.
