---
title: "Custom Cushion Size Tolerance: What 1/2-1 in Really Means"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/custom-cushion-size-tolerance/"
section: "The Cutting Table"
author: "Nate Kowalski, The Pattern Engineer of Detroit"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/nate/"
published: "2026-07-24"
updated: "2026-07-24"
keywords: "custom cushion size tolerance, handmade cushion size variation, cushion piping adds to size, tufted cushion size difference, exact size custom cushion"
---

# How accurate is the finished size of a handmade cushion?

*Your numbers go to the cutting table exactly as written, half inches and all. Foam and thread add a little wobble after that; here is how much.*

Also asked as: Allow for plus or minus ½ in (1 cm) variation?; The cushion came an inch wider than we ordered

> **The quick answer:** A custom cushion is cut to the exact size you give, not rounded, but a handmade foam cushion can still vary by about 1/2-1 in (1-2.5 cm), and a fully tufted one by 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm). Measure the cushion itself, not the outer edge of the piping, and state it if the finished size must include the piping.

![Royal-blue velvet box cushion with cream piping on an oak built-in seat beside the stairs on a bright landing](https://cushionguide.com/media/window-seat-cushions/royal-blue-velvet-stair-landing-nook-cushion-1600.webp "A firm royal-blue velvet cushion turns an oak box on the landing into a bright reading nook.")

## Key facts

- Sizes are produced as written, not rounded: 22 x 99.5 in and 22 x 98.5 in were made exactly so.
- Handmade foam cushions can vary by about 1/2-1 in (1-2.5 cm).
- Fully tufted cushions can vary by 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm).
- Piping adds slightly to the outer dimension; a finished size including piping can be specified.
- A cushion that came out 3/8-3/4 in (1-2 cm) short of a 16 in (41 cm) depth was remade.
- A new piece can be matched to an earlier cushion's actual finished size.
- Notches and angled edges can be made from a photo and a drawing.

## Will you round my numbers?

No. A buyer in the US ordered two long cushions at 22 x 99.5 in and 22 x 98.5 in (56 x 253 cm and 56 x 250 cm), and they were cut exactly that way. Nobody tidied 99.5 into 100.

What happens after the cut is [tolerance](https://cushionguide.com/glossary/#tolerance). A handmade cushion filled with soft foam doesn't finish like a machined part: plan on about 1/2-1 in (1-2.5 cm), stated in some answers as about ±3/8 in (±1 cm). Tolerance is kindness to your future self, so build it in on a [bench cushion](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/bench-cushions/) that has to fit wall to wall.

## How much each cushion type varies, in inches

| Cushion | Typical variation | What to write in the order |
|---|---|---|
| Plain handmade foam cushion | About 1/2-1 in (1-2.5 cm) | Your exact size, to the half inch |
| Fully tufted cushion | 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) | Your exact size, and whether the space is a hard stop |
| Piped cushion | Piping adds a little outside the stated size | 'Size includes piping' if the total must fit |
| Follow-up piece | Matched to your first cushion | The real measured size of the earlier cushion |

## What if it comes out short, or wide?

Say so, with a tape measure in the photo. A buyer needed a 16 in (41 cm) depth and the cushion came out 3/8-3/4 in (1-2 cm) short. That sat inside the stated tolerance, and the workshop remade it anyway.

The other direction happens too. A floor cushion ordered at about 43 in (110 cm) wide finished at about 47 in (120 cm). For the matching back cushion, the workshop matched the real 47 in so the two pieces line up. Is your space a hard stop, wall to wall, partner? The [tolerance Pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/custom-cushion-size-tolerance/) and the [bench measuring Pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/how-to-measure-bench-for-cushion/) go deeper.

> **Tailor's margin:** Measure the cushion itself, not the outer edge of the piping; if the finished size must include the piping, write that in the order.

> A custom cushion ordered at 22 x 99.5 in is cut at 22 x 99.5 in; handmade foam then varies by about 1/2-1 in.
>
> — Nate

## Buyer questions

**A common question:** What size tolerance should I expect, and does the piping count in the width?

**The workshop's answer:** Handmade cushions and covers can vary by about 1/2-1 in. Measure the cushion itself, not from the outer edge of the piping, because the piping adds a little to the outer size. If an exact finished size matters, for example in an installation, state that the dimension must include the piping.

**A common question:** How exact will the finished size be?

**The workshop's answer:** Custom handmade cushions can vary by about ±3/8 in (±1 cm) in the final dimensions. Fully handmade tufted cushions can differ by 1-2 in.

**A common question:** Is my cushion made to my exact size, and can you notch it around a window frame that sticks out?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes, cushions are made to the exact size you give; 22 x 99.5 in and 22 x 98.5 in were produced as written, not rounded. For a window frame protruding about 3/4 in (2 cm), send a photo; a notch or angled edge is fine with a drawing showing the measurements.

**A common question:** Can you add my size to the listing? What is the 'Custom for...' option?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Send your exact size and the workshop adds it as a new size option or creates a private 'Custom for you' listing at the quoted price. A 'Custom for...' option already in the menu belongs to a past customer.

## Questions buyers ask next

### Are tufted cushions less exact than plain ones?

Yes. Fully tufted handmade cushions can differ by 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) in their final dimensions, against about 1/2-1 in (1-2.5 cm) for a plain foam cushion. Allow for that in a tight alcove or between two walls.

### Can a new cushion match one I already have from you?

Yes. A follow-up piece can be matched to the real finished size of your earlier cushion rather than its ordered size, so a seat and back cushion line up. Measure the first cushion and send that number.

### Should I round my measurements before ordering?

No. Send the exact figures, half inches included; they're cut as written. Rounding up or down yourself only moves the cushion further from the space it has to fit, before tolerance even enters the picture.

## Related at the atelier

- [How exact is a made-to-measure cushion? Handmade tolerance explained](https://cushionguide.com/guides/custom-cushion-size-tolerance/): A made-to-measure cushion is cut to the exact size you write, but the finished piece can land within about 1/2 to 1 in (1.3 to 2.5 cm) of it.
- [Can you make several cushions that sit flush side by side on one bench?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/multiple-bench-cushions-flush-sizing/): Yes: measure the bench, divide the total length by the number of pieces, and order each cushion separately with its width, depth and thickness.
- [Can you make a cushion smaller than your smallest size option?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/cushion-smaller-than-smallest-size-option/): Yes, a cushion smaller than the smallest size option can be made: select the smallest or closest option and write your exact measurements in the personalization box.
- [Should I order my bench cushion a bit smaller than the bench so it fits?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/bench-cushion-exact-size-or-smaller/): No: order the exact size of the space, because the workshop makes the cushion to the full dimensions you give, with no deduction, and handles sewing allowances itself.
- [Caramel Bouclé Bench Cushion: How the Cloth Feels and Wears](https://cushionguide.com/readings/caramel-boucle-pad-floating-oak-bench-terracotta/): A bouclé bench cushion feels warm and soft and hides small marks well, but its loops catch claws, rings and hook-and-loop fasteners and hold pet hair.
- [Custom Bench Cushion in Caramel Bouclé by Morning and Lamp Light](https://cushionguide.com/readings/caramel-boucle-bench-cushion-glass-breakfast-corner/): In a glass-walled breakfast corner, choose a custom bench cushion's color from the rug or floor, not the walls, and judge the swatch on the bench in both morning and evening light.
- [Linen bench cushions: which 'linen' is on your bench, and how it wears](https://cushionguide.com/guides/linen-bench-cushions/)

*± 1/4 in — Nate*

---

Written by Nate Kowalski (https://cushionguide.com/masters/nate/) for CushionGuide (https://cushionguide.com/about/). The site explains made-to-measure cushions and the partner workshop makes them; measurements are in inches first. This Markdown mirrors the page at https://cushionguide.com/answers/custom-cushion-size-tolerance/