Shower Curtain Sizes (Most Popular & Measuring Tips)

Here we share the most popular shower curtain sizes for showers & tubs, how to get the proper measurements, and where to hang the curtain rod.

Finding the right shower curtain means more than matching your decor. If the curtain is incorrectly sized, you’ll have problems ranging from aesthetics to coverage and even issues related to moisture build-up. This becomes particularly important when you have just gotten out of a small bath and are trying to reach for your towels without getting water everywhere.

The good news is that finding the right curtain size for your bathroom isn’t difficult. These easy tips will help you find the right shower curtain sizes for your bathroom with no problem.

Standard Bathroom Curtain Size

Shower curtains come in various sizes, just like many other products in your home. While most tubs and shower designs accommodate standard sizes, there are many different options.

Even still, it’s important to make sure that you measure your tub or shower to check the size that you need before assuming a standard shower curtain will fit.

Sizes that are considered “standard” for shower curtains are based on standard-sized tubs and showers. This includes covering a 60” tub properly.

In addition, it includes up to 12” so that when closed, it isn’t pulled tight. Rather, it offers the appearance of folds even when it’s completely shut across the tub. These measurements include the following:

● 70” x 70”
● 70” x 72”
● 72” x 72” – Most Popular Standard Size

As for tub style, these measurements work best for the average in-set tub. These won’t necessarily work for a freestanding tub that needs a curtain to wrap around it. We’ll look at how to account for these shower and tub styles later.

For walk in showers you will most likely need an extra long curtains. These are generally around 78″ in length.

What Size Curtain Do You Need?

The curtain you’ll need depends heavily on the size of your tub or shower. However, the measurements of the dimensions of your enclosure will not exactly match the measurements of your curtain. Instead, there are a couple of factors that you’ll want to take into account.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss how to use the measurements from various tub and shower types and even go over a handy table to help you find the size you need.

How to Measure Curtain Sizes

When measuring the width of shower curtain sizes, you’ll want to start by measuring the width of your shower from wall to wall.

As mentioned, you don’t want to purchase one that reaches wall to wall when pulled taut.

Instead, you want to add 12” to the measurement you took so the curtain has enough space to create folds even if fully closed. This is the appearance that most homeowners prefer, and it’s much easier to fully cover the opening when you have this fail-safe of an extra foot of fabric.

Measuring height is slightly different because you don’t want to measure from the ceiling to the floor. You also don’t want to leave much extra space because you don’t want the curtain to drape onto the floor or, even worse, pool at the bottom. This invites moisture-related problems such as mold and mildew.

Instead, measure the curtain rod to the floor. To ensure that it doesn’t drape onto the bathroom floor, account for the rings you’ll hang them off of and subtract about 1″ to 3” from your initial measurement (or the exact size of the rings.)

Measuring Curtains for a Freestanding Shower/Tub

Freestanding tubs and shower stalls are slightly different to measure for than a standard tub or combination shower. Yet, they aren’t difficult to measure for either.

Typically, you want to use the same measurements for the curtain’s height. After all, you still don’t want them to hang onto the floor or be too short for the tub.

Adjusting the width is easy to do. Instead of measuring from one wall to another, you want to measure around the exposed sides of the tub or stall your fabric will cover.

Don’t forget – you still want to add an extra 12” to the length of your shower curtain so that it is large enough to fold nicely still when it’s pulled shut and fits the tub or stall completely.

Curtain Dimensions Chart

Since the formula for finding your shower curtain size proportional to the measurement from your tub is so easy, it’s easy to create an estimation for you.

You’ll still want to double-check your tub or enclosure measurements, but you can use this table to make your job a little easier in the long run.

Measurements are Width by Length:

• 72” x 72” – Most Popular Standard Size
• 84″ x 74″ – Extra Wide Bathtub
• 54″ x 78″ – Enclosure/Stall
• 70″ x 84″ Extra Tall
• 72″ x 96″ Floor to Ceiling enclosure/Stall

What Size Is An Extra Long Curtain

An extra long shower curtain most often measures 70″ by 84″. This is also the same measurement for an extra tall one. Other sizes for an extra long are 72″ by 84″.

Extra long shower liners can measure 144″ by 72″, which provides more material to keep water from going where it’s not wanted.

Where to Hang a Curtain Rod

If you don’t know where to hang your shower curtain rod, the instructions we’ve given for finding the height of your curtain might be more than a little confusing.

Luckily, there is a way to find out where to hang your rod if you already know your curtain’s length.

Start with the length of the shower curtain you want to hang. Remember, you don’t want this to hang at a height that it will drag or pool on the floor.

As such, you’ll want to account for this by adding an extra 2” onto the pre-existing height of the curtain. Then, measure the size of the hooks you’ll be using to see how far down from the rod it will hang.

When you add these three measurements together, you have the height of your shower rod. In short, the equation looks like this:

2” + [curtain length] + [Hook size] = [rod height]

For example, if you have a 70” to 72” tall curtain, your rod height will likely sit around 75” to 77”.

When you’re choosing, you shouldn’t just consider the product style. Even the most beautiful design will look off in a bathroom if it isn’t sized to fit properly.

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How to Choose a Curtain for the Shower

We asked interior designer Danielle Porter, her best tips for choosing a shower curtain for a bathroom design and here are her thoughts:

When it comes to the details of a space, particularly the more functional necessities, it’s all too easy to forgo function for the sake of form or vice versa.

To avoid this common mistake, aim for balance. There’s always a way to design a solution that is both beautiful and serves its purpose well.

In your bathroom, finding just the right shower curtain can be a detail that pulls the entire space together just right. Aside from some paint or changing out accessories, it’s also one of the most effective ways to give your bathroom an impactful makeover without breaking the budget!

Always start with size – that way, when you find a look you love, you’ll be sure it’s the right fit.  Standard shower curtains are sized to accommodate a standard 60” wide tub or shower.

The three most common sizes are;  70” x 70”, 70” x 72”, or 72” x 72”.  You will find manufacturers that make oversized or “luxury” shower curtains that are larger as well, though, they may be harder to come by. 

If you have the standard 60” tub, the standard size is excellent and will give you the most design flexibility.  To determine the correct length, measure from the curtain rod down (don’t forget to account for your hanging hardware) and aim to have a 4” minimum of overlap with your tub – but longer (6-8”)  is preferred and usually seen as more high end.

If you have an atypical shower or tub size, the best way to determine curtain width is to measure the width and add twelve inches. This will allow you to cover the span nicely without being too taut, while getting those nice, gentle folds in the material that always look so elegant. When in doubt – custom size is always an option.

When it comes to hanging hardware, some designs have hardware integrated (think metal circles at the top, like your window drapery), but you can also find some beautiful decorative hanging hardware in a variety of colors and styles to support your design aesthetic – we always recommend selecting any decorative bath hardware alongside your shower curtain to ensure they are cohesive.

Once your size is narrowed down, it’s time to consider the materials. For instance, opting for waterproof and washable materials can maintain the cleanliness of your bathroom and extend the lifespan of the product.

Traditionally, shower curtains come in various materials, including cotton blend/decorative, microfiber, polyester, or vinyl – listed of course, in my subjective descending order of quality – but each has a place and a purpose.

Vinyl curtains can be a great option as they’re cost-effective, you don’t need a shower liner with them, and they are a one-stop shop that’s easily cleanable and will last for years. There are colorful or clear plastic products that are waterproof, washable, and can match a variety of bathroom decor.

The polyester blend options are nice because they have a softer touch, you can still get away with a liner, and they feel a bit elevated from their vinyl counterparts.

Microfiber curtains are soft to the touch and offer an elevated aesthetic.  They should be used in well-ventilated bathrooms as they take moisture from the air, and the ventilation will help them stay dry.

Cotton-blend and decorative shower curtains are typically the preferred options among designers and homeowners alike. 

These fabric curtains, like microfiber, are machine cleanable, should be used with a liner, and come in a variety of materials, textures, patterns, and colors that will help tie together the aesthetic of your bathroom with little effort.

Remember – the curtain, though primarily a functional piece in your bathroom, can do a lot for the beauty of the space. You should also consider decorative hooks, bath towels, mats, and hardware finishes to complete the area.

Consider your options and select your curtains alongside the bathroom floor and wall tiles, plumbing fixtures, flooring, and cabinet material to ensure that you have a cohesive look.  At the end of the day, everything should work together and create one clean look in your space.

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If you would like to upgrade the look of your bathroom you may also consider installing shower doors. For more related information check out our article on shower doors here.