Measuring for Replacement Foam Cushions
Replacing your cushion foam is a simple task that can drastically improve the comfort and appearance of your furniture. And to make sure you get a proper fit, careful measuring and minor adjustments are key. Follow the steps for how to measure your cushion below to learn how to take accurate measurements and prepare your dimensions for ordering custom-cut foam.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
- A tape measure
- Pen or pencil
- Paper for sketches and notes
Step 1: Choosing the Right Shape

Start by visiting our Custom Seat Cushions and Replacement Cushions page. Select the cushion shape that best matches your project (square/rectangle, T-cushion, trapezoid, etc.). The diagram provided will indicate exactly which dimensions are required for that shape.
We recommend sketching the shape of your cushion on a blank sheet of paper. Label each dimension on the drawing to match the measurement labels shown in the diagram. This will help you stay organized and make adjustments more easily, especially for complex cushion designs.
Step 2: Measuring the Cushion Cover

- Remove the old foam from the cover.
- Lay the cover flat on a clean, hard surface such as the floor or a table. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds without stretching the fabric.
- Using the shape diagram as a guide, measure across the center of the cover rather than along the edges or corners. Corners often include reinforced stitching, which can give inaccurate (smaller) measurements.
As you measure, record each dimension on your sketch. Double-check all measurements for accuracy – this will save time and prevent errors during ordering.
Step 3: Adjusting Your Measurements

To make sure you’re getting a snug, professional-looking fit, we recommend increasing each recorded dimension by ½ inch (0.5"). Foam will compress slightly when inserted into the cover, and this extra allowance guarantees that the foam fills out the fabric fully, giving the cushion a more tailored appearance and firm feel.
Adjusting Thickness:
- Add ½ inch (0.5") to the measured thickness.
- Round to the nearest whole inch using these guidelines:
- If the adjusted thickness is less than halfway to the next inch (e.g., 6.25"), round down (final thickness = 6").
- If the adjusted thickness is halfway or more (e.g., 4.75"), round up (final thickness = 5").
Examples:
- A measured thickness of 5.75" becomes 6.25" after adding 0.5", then rounds down to 6".
- A measured thickness of 4.25" becomes 4.75", then rounds up to 5".
Final Step: Placing Your Order
Use the adjusted dimensions from your sketch when placing your order on our Custom Seat Cushions and Replacement Cushions page. Select any additional features, such as Dacron wrap, and proceed to checkout. By following these steps, you can make sure that your new foam cushions will offer both comfort and a precise fit. If you have questions or need assistance with complex shapes, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team for personalized support.