The Cutting Table · compared on the table
How do I measure a dining chair seat for a cushion?
Also asked as:How do I measure my chair seat?Cushion for a spindle-back chair?
Product pages rarely list the seat's real size, partner. Your tape measure does. Here is how many numbers each seat shape needs, and which ones.
SaveThe quick answer
Measure the seat itself by hand: for a tapered seat, give the depth plus the front and back widths; for a shaped or spindle-back seat, give six numbers, three widths and three depths. Upload a drawing or photo if the seat isn't a rectangle, and the workshop sends a sketch for you to confirm before anything is cut.
Get a quote for a chair cushion with ties
Seat shape against the numbers to send
| Seat shape | What to measure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle or square | Width and depth, plus the thickness you want | State the thickness every time |
| Tapered, one edge wider | Depth, back width, front width | 21 in deep, 19 in back, 20 1/2 in front (53, 48, 52 cm) |
| Shaped or spindle-back | H1 back width at the spindles, H2 widest, H3 front; V1–V3 depth at left, center, right | 14 1/2, 17, 14 in wide; 14 1/2, 15 1/2, 13 1/2 in deep (37, 43, 36; 37, 39, 34 cm) |
| Framed seat, trim meant to show | Your hand measurement, minus the wood you want visible | Sized down by you |
Key facts
- Measure chair seats by hand; product pages rarely give detailed seat sizes.
- A tapered seat needs its depth plus back and front widths, e.g. 21 in (53 cm) deep, 19 in (48 cm) at the back, 20 1/2 in (52 cm) at the front.
- A shaped or spindle-back seat takes six measurements: three widths and three depths.
- Back width is measured at the spindles; depth is measured at the left, center and right.
- To let the wood trim show, size the cushion down yourself before you send the numbers.
- Non-rectangular seats need a drawing or photo with measurements.
- A sketch comes back for confirmation before cutting.
Have it made
Have Nate’s workshop cut this for you
Send the numbers in inches: length × depth × thickness, plus any angle. The workshop checks them with you, because foam has no undo button. — Nate
Leave your details and the workshop will call you to confirm measurements, fabric, foam and piping. No prices, dates or payment on this page: it is a request, not an order.
The six-number method, H1 to V3
Photograph the seat from above
Straight down, whole seat in frame. The six lines get marked on a photo like this.
H1: back width at the spindles
Across the back of the seat, where the spindles meet it.
H2 and H3: widest, then front
The widest point of the seat, then along the front edge.
V1, V2, V3: depth at left, center, right
One shaped seat read 14 1/2, 15 1/2 and 13 1/2 in. A single depth would have been wrong twice.
Send it, then check the sketch
A drawing comes back, and nothing is cut until you confirm it.
Why the tape goes on the chair, not the listing
Product pages rarely give a seat's detailed size. So the tape goes on the chair. Tolerance is kindness to your future self: write halves, not guesses.
Want the wood trim to show, as on Cesca-style chairs? Take that off your numbers first; the cushion is made to what you write. The dining chair pad Pattern covers ties, the chair cushion builder tries the shape in 3D, and dining chair cushions shows finished seats.
A tapered chair seat needs three numbers, not two: depth, back width and front width, such as 21, 19 and 20 1/2 in.
Nate
Buyer questions
- A common question
How should I measure a spindle-back dining chair seat so the cushion fits exactly?
The workshop's answerThree widths and three depths, marked on a photo of the chair: back width at the spindles, widest width, front width, then depth at left, center and right, such as 14 1/2, 17, 14 in and 14 1/2, 15 1/2, 13 1/2 in.
- A common question
My chair seats are wider at the front than the back. How do I order?
The workshop's answerGive the depth, back width and front width, for example 21, 19 and 20 1/2 in. A measurement sketch comes back, and production waits for your confirmation.
- A common question
Can cushions for Cesca-style chairs be a little smaller so the wood trim shows?
The workshop's answerYes. Measure the chairs by hand and size the cushions down as you like, then upload a drawing or photo if the shape isn't a rectangle.
Questions buyers ask next
Should I measure my old chair pads or the seat itself?
If the old pads fit well, their sizes are a fair start. If not, measure the seat. For new covers on foam you own, measure the bare insert and include its thickness.
What if my seat is too odd for six numbers?
Photograph it and draw it on paper with every side measured and labeled A, B, C. The workshop asks about any missing side, then sends its own drawing for your OK.
Can a chair cushion be notched around a post?
Yes. Measure each notch's depth, width and position and send a sketch with a photo. The notched shape is drawn and sent for approval before quoting.
