How to Measure a Sofa for Custom Cushions
Custom sofa cushion sets come as 6 pieces — three seat pads and three back pads. We only need the overall width of your sofa frame; we divide it into three equal seat and back cushions for you. You need six measurements across both parts.
Part A — Sofa seat
Choose the seat cushion thickness
Select a thickness between 2 and 5 inches. Write this number down — you will need it in Step 6 to calculate the correct back cushion height.
Measure the overall seat width
Measure the full width of the sofa's seating area from one side of the frame to the other. Provide the total — we will divide it into three equal seat pads automatically.
Foam compresses and fabric stretches over time. Old cushions will give you inaccurate dimensions. Always measure the bare wood or metal frame directly.
Measure the seat depth
Measure from the front edge of the seat frame to the back rail. If the frame has a front lip or rail, measure to the inside edge.
Part B — Sofa back
Choose the back cushion thickness
Select a thickness between 2 and 5 inches. Back cushions are often ordered 1 inch thinner than the seat for a more comfortable, relaxed posture.
Measure the overall back width
Measure the full width of the back frame from side to side. This is usually the same as the seat width, but measure independently to confirm. We will divide it into three equal back pads.
Calculate the back cushion height
The back pads rest on top of the seat pads, so they start higher than the bottom of the back frame. If you order the full frame height, the back cushions will sit too high and push the seat pads forward. Subtract the seat thickness from the total frame height.
Back height (order) = Total frame height − Seat cushion thickness
Your sofa back frame measures 30" tall. You chose a 5" thick seat pad in Step 1.
30" − 5" = Order 25" back cushion height.
Measuring tips
Unsure about thickness? Stack books on the seat frame until the height feels comfortable. Measure the stack to find your ideal thickness before committing.
A steel retractable tape gives straight, consistent readings across long sofa spans. Avoid soft tailor's tape — it sags and causes errors.
We produce cushions in ½" increments. Round each measurement to the nearest half-inch before entering dimensions at checkout.
The seat thickness from Step 1 is used again in Step 6. Note it before measuring the frame so you have it ready for the back height calculation.
Not sure about the back height calculation?
Email us at support@uscushion.com — we'll work out the numbers with you before you order.
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Have your measurements ready?
Enter them directly on the product page
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