You can figure out what size shower curtain you need with just a quick measurement and a match to the closest standard size. Below is a friendly guide plus a few “what if my shower is weird?” scenarios.

Quick Scoop

For most standard tubs, a 72" x 72" shower curtain (about 180 cm x 180 cm) is the one you want.

If your setup is different (stall, extra-tall, extra-wide), you’ll just match your measurements to one of a few other common sizes.

Step 1: Measure Your Space

Before you even peek at sizes on the label, do this:

  • Measure width : Wall to wall (or edge to edge) along the shower rod line.
  • Add about 10–12 inches to that width so the curtain can “drape” a bit and close fully without gaps.
  • Measure height : From the top of the shower rod down to:
    • The inside of the tub (you want the curtain to hang 6–10 inches into the tub).
* Or just above the floor (for walk-in showers, so it doesn’t drag).

If you’re using separate rings/hooks, remember the curtain itself will be shorter than this full measurement because rings take up around 8–10 inches of height.

Standard Sizes at a Glance

Here’s how typical shower types match common curtain sizes:

[7][9][3][5] [7][1][3][5] [1][3] [3][7][1][5] [9][7][5]
Shower / tub type Typical curtain size (inches) When this size fits
Standard tub / shower combo 72 x 72 (also 70 x 70, 70 x 72, 74 x 74) Most 60" long tubs; gives extra width so curtain closes with a soft gather.
Shower stall (narrow) 54 x 78 or ~36 x 72 Standalone, narrow stall where a 72"-wide curtain would be too bunchy.
Small tub 54 x 72 Shorter, compact tubs that don’t need the full 72" width.
Extra-tall shower or high ceilings 72 x 84 or 72 x 96 Rod mounted high on the wall or a tall, dramatic look; more drop to prevent splash.
Extra-wide / long rod 108 x 72 or 144 x 72 Wide alcoves or curved/long rods that span more than a regular tub length.

How to Decide in 3 Questions

You can treat this like a very low-stakes multiple choice test:

  1. Do you have a regular tub/shower combo and a straight rod?
    • Tub is about 60" long, rod runs wall to wall.
    • → Get a 72" x 72" curtain (or 70" x 72" if that’s what’s available).
  1. Do you have a narrow shower stall (no tub)?
    • Stall feels much narrower than a regular tub, often with a small base.
    • → Look for a stall curtain, typically 54" x 78" or similar.
  1. Is your rod very high or your shower extra tall?
    • Rod close to the ceiling, or you want a “hotel” floor-to-ceiling look.
    • → Choose extra-long : around 72" x 84" or 72" x 96".

If your setup is wider than a normal tub—say a long walk‑in with two walls and an open side—you may need an extra-wide curtain around 108" or 144" wide.

Height: How Low Should It Hang?

A shower curtain that’s too short leaks water; too long just drags and looks messy.

  • For tubs :
    • Aim for the bottom of the curtain to hang 6–10 inches inside the tub.
* This keeps water inside while still looking tidy.
  • For walk-in showers :
    • Let the curtain just skim the floor or sit about 1–2 inches above so it doesn’t get grimy.

If you already bought a curtain and it’s slightly off, you can sometimes fix it by adjusting the rod height instead of replacing the curtain.

A Quick “Real Life” Example

Imagine you’re in a typical apartment bathroom: 60" tub, rod mounted slightly above the tile, nothing fancy.

  • You measure wall to wall: about 60".
  • Add 10–12": call it 72" width.
  • Measure from rod to inside of tub: around 72" as well.

In that everyday setup, the “boring” and perfect choice is a standard 72" x 72" shower curtain , which is exactly what most stores stock as default.

Small Extras That Matter

  • If you use separate hooks/rings , the curtain itself will be shorter than the full rod-to-floor distance by roughly 8–10 inches.
  • For curved rods or rods that sit past the tub edge, lean slightly wider if you’re between sizes so it still covers when pulled closed.
  • If you’re ever unsure, it’s safer to go a bit too big than too small; extra fabric just gathers, but too little fabric means water on the floor.

If You Want the “Hotel” Look

Some people now hang extra-tall curtains near the ceiling for a more polished vibe, which has been a popular decor trend over the last few years. In that case you:

  • Mount the rod higher than usual.
  • Choose an extra-long curtain (84"–96" length), making sure it still hangs either into the tub or just above the floor.

TL;DR – What Size Shower Curtain Do I Need?

  • Regular tub/shower combo with a normal rod height → 72" x 72".
  • Narrow shower stall → 54" x 78" or other “stall” size.
  • Extra-tall or high‑mounted rod → 72" x 84" or 72" x 96".
  • Extra‑wide space → 108"–144" x 72".

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.