How do I measure the bed skirt drop?

Measure from the top of the bed base (where the mattress sits) to the floor. Standard UK divan height is 35-40cm. Adjust for any desired clearance above the floor (1-2cm to prevent dragging).

What sides does a bed skirt cover?

A standard bed skirt covers three sides: two long sides and the foot. The headboard end is left open. This calculator includes fabric for all three exposed sides.

What is a platform for a bed skirt?

The platform is a flat piece of fabric that sits on the bed base under the mattress. The skirt panels attach to the platform edges. Use an inexpensive fabric like calico for the platform as it is hidden.

Gathered or tailored — which style?

Gathered bed skirts use 2-2.5x fullness for a soft, ruffled look. Tailored bed skirts have flat panels with inverted pleats at the corners. Tailored uses less fabric and gives a more formal appearance.

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Bed Skirt Calculator — Fabric for Bed Skirts

Calculate fabric for gathered or tailored bed skirts.

Bed Size

Skirt Drop

Base top to floor

StyleGathered = soft ruffle (2-2.5x fabric); tailored = flat panels with inverted pleats at the foot corners

Fullness Ratio

Gathered skirts use 2-2.5x; higher = fuller ruffle

Hem Allowance

Turn-up at the bottom edge, typically 5cm

Fabric Width

Usable bolt width; UK furnishing fabric is typically 137cm (54") or 140cm

Fabric Price (optional)

Cost per metre of your skirt fabric, to estimate total spend

How We Calculate This

The bed skirt wraps around three sides of the bed. Gathered styles multiply the perimeter by a fullness ratio for the ruffle; tailored styles use flat panels plus an inverted box pleat at each foot corner (~20cm folded back per pleat).

The formula

Perimeter = (Length × 2) + Width

Gathered width = Perimeter × Fullness ratio

Tailored width = Perimeter + (2 corner pleats × 20cm)

Cut drop = Skirt drop + Hem + 3cm seam

Panels = ceil(Total width ÷ usable Fabric width)

The platform (hidden base panel) is bought in linear metres off the bolt: its length runs along the grain, and a second fabric width is pieced on if the platform is wider than the bolt.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before cutting or purchasing fabric.