How to Measure Bed Skirt Drop Length

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: August 10, 2020 References

The bed skirt is often overlooked, but it can really give your bed set a polished look. The bed skirt is a large piece of fabric that lays in between your box springs and mattress. It has excess material that hangs over the side of the bed, which is why it's important to determine how long the skirt should fall. Fortunately, it only takes a few seconds to get the measurement from the top of the box springs to the ground. Then, you can use the information to buy the best size skirt for your bed.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Taking Measurements

1
Push a ruler in between the box springs and mattress. If your bed has a bedspread on it, lift it away so you can see the box springs and mattress. Slide a rigid ruler or piece of sturdy cardboard horizontally in between the box springs and mattress so it sticks horizontally out from the edge of the bed by at least 3 inches (7.6 cm).^{[1]
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- If your mattress isn't on the box springs at this point, you can skip this step.
2
Measure from the top of the box springs to the ground to find the drop length. Hook the end of a flexible measuring tape to the ruler or cardboard that's sticking out between the box springs and mattress. Then, pull the measuring tape down to the ground and write down the measurement. This is your bed skirt drop length.^{[2]
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- The most common bed skirt drop length is 14 inches (36 cm), but this can vary greatly, especially if you have a tall box spring. You can adjust this measurement later when you're buying a bed skirt.
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3
Lay the ruler across the box spring to get the width measurement. Spread the measuring tape from the left edge of the box spring to the right edge and write down the measurement. In general, the box springs are around:^{[3]
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- Twin: 39 inches (0.99 m) wide
- Full: 54 inches (1.4 m) wide
- Queen: 60 inches (1.5 m) wide
- King: 78 inches (2.0 m) wide
- California King: 72 inches (1.8 m) wide
4
Measure from the back edge of the box springs to the front to find the length. Hook the end of the measuring tape on the edge of the box springs that's next to the headboard. Pull the tape down to the edge near the footboard and write down the measurement. The sizing is usually around:^{[4]
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- Twin: 75 inches (1.9 m) long
- Full: 79 inches (2.0 m) long
- Queen: 80 inches (2.0 m) long
- King: 80 inches (2.0 m) long
- California King: 84 inches (2.1 m) long

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Choosing a Size Based on the Measurements

1
Shop for a bed skirt that matches your bedding style. While most bed skirts come in solid colors, you might find prints like stripes or a floral pattern. Pair the bed skirt with the style of your bedspread. For example, if you have a floral bedspread, choose a solid color that complements the color of the flowers.^{[5]
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- Most bed skirts are made of cotton or a synthetic-cotton blend. This makes them easy to wash whenever they start looking dusty.
- Decide if you want the bed skirt to hang straight down the sides or if you'd like it to have a ruffle. For a modern style, choose a white bed skirt that hangs straight or has pleats. Go with a colorful ruffled bed skirt for a romantic or traditional look.
2
Subtract up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) for a shorter drop length. If you don't want your bed skirt to skim the ground, subtract ¹⁄₂ to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) from your bed skirt drop length measurement. For example, if your drop length is 14 inches (36 cm), subtract 1 inch (2.5 cm) to get a 13 in (33 cm) drop length.^{[6]
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- Keep in mind that things under your bed might be visible if the bed skirt doesn't reach the ground.
3
Locate the size chart for the brand of bed skirt you're buying. Most companies offer slightly different sizes for their products, so it's always a good idea to find your brand's size chart. This is usually on the back of the package, but you can also look them up online.^{[7]
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- If you're still shopping around, look up the size chart for each bed skirt you're considering.
4
Compare your width and length measurements to find the bed skirt size. Once you've taken the box spring's width and length measurements, look at the chart to find which size most closely matches the measurements. In general, bed skirts are usually around these sizes:^{[8]
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- Twin: 39 in × 75 in (0.99 m × 1.91 m)
- Full: 54 in × 79 in (1.4 m × 2.0 m)
- Queen: 60 in × 80 in (1.5 m × 2.0 m)
- King: 78 in × 80 in (2.0 m × 2.0 m)
- California King: 72 in × 84 in (1.8 m × 2.1 m)
5
Wash and dry the bed skirt before you put it on the box springs. Although most companies launder their products before selling them, it's not a bad idea to wash new bedding. If you're sewing your own bed skirt, wash the fabric before you cut and sew the pieces to prevent the bed skirt from shrinking the first time you wash it.
- Washing and drying the bed skirt is also a good way to get rid of wrinkles and creases that form while it's in the package.