Most returns happen because of one mistake: measuring the old cushion instead of the seating surface. Old cushions sag, flatten and stretch. Measure the furniture itself and your new cushion will fit like the original did — or better.
What you need
- A stiff tape measure or a ruler
- Paper and pencil for sketching odd shapes
- Someone to double-check the numbers (seriously)
Width × Depth × Thickness
We cut to your exact numbers, so follow these conventions:
- Width (W) — left to right across the seat, at the widest point.
- Depth (D) — front to back, from the front edge to the backrest.
- Thickness (T) — how tall the cushion sits, measured with the cushion lying flat (not compressed).
Measure at the widest points. If the seat tapers, give us the largest width and depth — foam can always be eased at installation, but a short cushion can't be stretched.
Odd shapes: sketch and label
For L-shapes, U-shapes and T-cushions, sketch the outline on paper and label each segment (A, B, C, D on our configurator). Measure each straight run at its full length, and measure the arm widths the same way. If you can, photograph your sketch next to a tape measure.
Fractions are welcome
Furniture is rarely built on whole inches. Our configurator accepts ¼″ steps, so 23½″ is just 23.5. Don't round a 23½″ seat down to 23″ — that half inch is the difference between snug and sloppy.
How precise should I be?
Work to ±¼″. High-quality foam compresses slightly under use, and covers add a little loft. If you're between two sizes for a loose-fit cushion, go slightly larger; for a wrapped, tailored fit, go exact.
Next step
Pick your shape in the configurator — custom bench cushions, seat cushions and sofa cushions all price instantly as you type your measurements.