How to Measure a Couch to be Reupholstered

Take all items off the couch, including throw pillows, blankets or any other embellishments.

Move the couch away from the wall far enough to have room to walk around all sides. You'll need ample space to squat and bend.

Stretch a fabric tape measure across the back of the couch at its widest point. This is typically where the back meets the top or sides of the arm rests and can range from 4 to 8 feet. Write down the width.

Measure the height of the couch by stretching the fabric tape measure from about 3 inches under the back of the couch where the upholstery is stapled to the top of the back. This can be from 3 to 6 feet in height. Write down the height.

Take the side measurement by placing the fabric tape measure across one side at its widest point. Write down the depth, which will vary from 2 1/2 to 4 feet.

Round each measurement taken up to the nearest whole number to get enough fabric to reupholster the couch. For instance, if the width was 5 1/2 feet, round up to 6 feet wide. If the height was 3 3/4 feet, round up to 4 feet high.

Multiply the rounded measurements. As an example, if the rounded measurements were 6 feet by 4 feet by 3 feet, the total would be 72.

Multiply the product by 0.35 to get the fabric yardage needed to reupholster the couch. Using the above example of 72, the total yards of fabric needed would be 25.2 yards.

Add 5 percent to the measurements to account for mistakes. For instance, in the above example of 25.2 yards, you would purchase at least 26.46 pr 26.5 yards to ensure you have ample reupholstering fabric.