Measuring guide

How to Measure Sofa Cushions for Replacements That Fit

How to measure seat, back and T-shaped sofa cushions in centimetres, and choose the right foam for seats and backs.

By Sam K1 min read
Sofa with new replacement seat and back cushions

Quick answer: If you are replacing foam, measure the foam edge to edge. If you are replacing covers, measure the foam you will keep, not the old cover. For a new cushion with nothing to copy, measure the seat frame. Take width, depth and thickness for every cushion, and note T-shapes and tapers.

Replacement sofa cushions bring a tired sofa back to life for far less than a new one. Getting the sizes right is the whole job.

Seat cushions

  1. Measure the width at the front and at the back. Sofa seats often taper.
  2. Measure the depth from front to back.
  3. Measure the thickness at the centre, or choose a new thickness.

T-shaped cushions

T-cushions wrap around the front of the arms. Measure the full front width, the width behind the arms, the full depth, and the depth of each "ear" that wraps the arm. A photo with measurements marked helps us check before cutting.

Back cushions

Measure the width, the height from the seat to the top of the frame, and the thickness. Back cushions are usually softer than seats.

Choosing foam

  • Lux: firm, supportive seats that hold their shape.
  • High Density: a medium feel for everyday seats.
  • Super Soft: for back cushions only, never seats.
  • Dacron wrap: adds about 6 mm and gives a softer, rounder edge.

Foam for UK orders is made and cut in the UK by our partner GB Foam Direct. Foam cannot be swapped after delivery, so if you are unsure of the feel, order one piece first.

Ordering

Order complete cushions, covers only or foam cut to size. Start with replacement sofa cushions or corner sofa cushions. We cut within ±1.3 cm and send a spec sheet for approval before cutting.

Frequently asked questions

Do I measure the cover or the foam?

The foam, edge to edge. Covers stretch and shrink, so they give a false size.

Can you make cushions for a corner sofa?

Yes, including L-shaped and T-shaped corner seats. Measure each piece separately.

What foam is best for sofa seats?

Lux for a firm seat or High Density for a medium one. Keep Super Soft for backs.