Rod size guide

Find Your
Rod Size

Three ways to measure your curtain rod in under a minute — no ruler, no measuring tape, no guessing.

Method 1  ·  Fastest

The Penny Test

Grab a US penny and hold it flat against the side of your curtain rod. Compare widths.

1/2" Rod

Your rod is noticeably thinner than a penny. The penny overhangs on both sides.

Shop 1/2" Clips →
1" Rod

Your rod is wider than a penny. It's close in size to a quarter — both edges of your rod extend past the penny.

Shop 1" Clips →

SilkSlide clips fit 1/2", 3/4", and 1" rods only. If your rod is smaller than 1/2" or larger than 1", SilkSlide is not compatible.

Method 2  ·  Most accurate

String Circumference
Calculator

Wrap a piece of string around your rod, measure the loop, and enter it below. Works with dental floss, a shoelace, or a strip of paper.

1
Wrap a string once around your rod.

Dental floss, thread, or a thin strip of paper all work perfectly.

2
Mark where the string meets itself.

Pinch the spot where it completes one full loop around the rod.

3
Lay it flat and measure in inches.

Then enter that measurement below.

inches

Enter the length of the loop your string made around the rod

Expected string lengths
1/2" rod
≈ 1.6"
3/4" rod
≈ 2.4"
1" rod
≈ 3.1"
Fun fact: A 1" curtain rod has a circumference of almost exactly π inches (3.14"). Math is wild.
Method 3  ·  Most hands-on

Printable Size Gauge

Print this page at 100% scale. Hold your rod against each circle until you find the one that matches.

Preview (not actual size — print to get exact 1:1 scale)

Before you print

  1. Click the button below to open print dialog
  2. Set scale to 100% — do not use "fit to page"
  3. Print on any standard 8.5" × 11" paper
  4. Verify accuracy: the 3/4" circle should match a penny exactly

The print view hides the rest of the page and shows only the gauge at actual size.

Know Your Size?
Let's Fix Your Curtains.

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