How to Measure Hinged Chair Cushions
Hinged cushions join a seat panel and a back panel at a single fold point — common on patio chairs, porch swings, and gliders. Because the two panels meet at the hinge, thicker cushions require a size adjustment to prevent overhang. You need four measurements: Thickness, Width, Seat Depth, and Back Height.
Choose your cushion thickness
Select a thickness between 2 and 5 inches. This is the first decision because it directly affects how you calculate Seat Depth and Back Height — thicker cushions need a deduction at the hinge (see the Overhang Rule below).
Measure the width
Measure side to side across the widest point of the seating area you want covered. Measure inner frame edge to inner frame edge — do not include armrests.
Old cushions compress and stretch over years of use. Measuring them will produce an undersized order. Always measure the bare wood or metal frame directly.
Measure the seat depth
Measure from the front edge of the seat frame to the hinge point at the back. If the frame has a front lip or rail, measure to the inside edge of that rail.
Measure the back height
Measure from the hinge point upward to the top of the back frame. Measure along the back panel itself — not along the outer frame post or armrest.
Deduct half the thickness from Seat Depth and Back Height
A thick cushion takes up space at the hinge point. Without an adjustment, the cushion will hang past the front of your seat or above the top of your back frame. Before ordering, subtract half the thickness from both measurements.
Seat Depth (order) = Measured depth − (Thickness ÷ 2)
Back Height (order) = Measured height − (Thickness ÷ 2)
Example: You choose a 4" thick cushion. Your chair measures 20" Seat Depth and 24" Back Height. Deduct 2" from both. Order size: 18" Seat Depth × 22" Back Height × 4" Thick.
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