Systemic Studios
Should I measure in millimetres or centimetres?
Millimetres. Most Australian blind suppliers order in millimetres and it avoids decimal mistakes.
How to Measure Windows for Blinds
Inside fit or outside fit?
| Inside (recess) fit | Outside (face) fit | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks | Neat, shows the frame | Covers the frame, blocks more light |
| Needs | Enough recess depth for the bracket and the blind | Flat wall or architrave above the window |
| Width you record | Smallest of three widths, exact | Opening width plus overlap each side |
| Drop you record | Largest of three drops | Opening drop plus overlap above and below |
Tools
Steel tape (not a cloth tape), pencil, a way to record sizes against each window, and a phone for photos.
Measure an inside fit
- Measure the width inside the recess at the top, middle and bottom. Record the smallest.
- Measure the drop at the left, centre and right. Record the largest.
- Measure the recess depth and note anything in the way: winders, handles, tiles, sensors.
- Write the size as width x drop in millimetres, for example 1820 x 1450.
- Label the window (for example "Window 1" in Bedroom 2) and photograph it.
Measure an outside fit
- Measure the opening width and add your overlap each side (commonly 50 to 100 mm, follow your supplier's guide).
- Measure from where the bracket will sit to where the blind should finish.
- Check there is a flat fixing surface and clearance for handles.
Bay and corner windows
Measure each pane as its own window, note the angle between them, and decide who gets the corner gap. A photo with each section labelled saves a return trip.
Record sizes by voice, mark up photos and send a branded measure report from site. Measure Genie is coming soon to iPhone and Android. Register your interest
Common mistakes
- Mixing width and drop. Always write width first.
- Measuring once. Recesses are rarely square, which is why you take three readings.
- Deducting for the fit yourself when the supplier also deducts. Record the true size and the fit type, and let the order form handle deductions.
- Relying on a phone estimate for the order. Phone AR sizes are estimates, so confirm with a tape before you order.
How Measure Genie helps on site
- Open the room you are measuring, tap the mic and say "Window one, 1820 by 1450". A confirm card appears before the size is saved as Window 1.
- Mark up the window photo with dimension lines, arrows and notes.
- Each size shows its source (typed, voice, AR or LiDAR) and whether it has been checked. Mark the sizes you order from "Checked with tape"; anything unchecked shows "est." in the PDF report.
- Share a branded PDF measure report with the customer or your workroom from site.
Be first to measure with Measure Genie
Measure Genie is coming soon to iPhone and Android. Register your interest and we will let you know when it is ready to try.
One measuring app for every trade.
Frequently asked
questions
Do I take the smallest or largest width?
For an inside fit, the smallest width and the largest drop.
Can I measure windows for blinds with my phone?
A phone AR measure gives a quick estimate that is handy for a first look. Confirm sizes with a tape before ordering made-to-measure blinds.
How do I measure a bay window for blinds?
Treat each pane as a separate window, record the angles and photograph the whole bay with labels.
Who should measure, me or the installer?
For made-to-measure blinds many suppliers recommend a professional measure, since the installer is responsible for the fit.