How to Measure for Upholstered Furniture

Remove the cushions from the couch or chair to be recovered. Measure the outside back lengthwise. Note the measurement on paper, clearly indicating “Outside Back Length.” Repeat this process for the outside back width. Measure again for the inside back length and width.

Measure the length and width of the outside arm. Use the width of the longest part of the arm. Measure the outside of a scrolled arm to the upper point of the scroll but not over it.

Measure the inside length of the arm over a scrolled edge and the width in the same manner as the previous step. The front length and width of each arm is measured next.

Calculate the measurements of the seat of the chair or sofa by measuring its width and length. Note all measurements clearly, rounding up to the next number if necessary. Extra fabric is preferable over too little fabric.

Measure the gusset area between the seat and the bottom of the piece. Measure the front and back of each cushion.

The sum of the lengths of each portion of the chair or sofa approximates the yardage needed for the job. Online fabric upholstery calculators also estimate the amount of fabric needed for various types of furniture.