To measure a lectern or ambo for a cover, you need three numbers: the width of the desk, the drop down the front, and the way the cover attaches. With those three, you can choose a standard size or order a custom cover that hangs straight and clears the floor, microphone, and book stand.
Tools You Need
- A flexible tape measure (a metal tape is fine for straight edges; a cloth tape is better for curves).
- A pencil and paper, or a phone note.
- A helper to hold the tape at the top while you measure the drop.
- A photo of the furniture, especially if you plan to order a custom size.
Step 1: Measure the Width
Measure the width of the desk top or the front panel where the cover will hang. If the cover is meant to wrap slightly around the sides, add a little ease — usually 2–5 cm on each side, depending on the furniture. Write down the measurement in centimeters and inches; our product pages list both.
Do not assume the top and the front panel are the same width. On a tapered ambo or a pulpit with a molded edge, the front may be narrower or wider than the top. Measure the surface the fabric will actually cover.
Step 2: Measure the Drop
Measure from the front edge of the desk down to where you want the cover to end. The drop is the visible part of the cover and the number that most affects the look. A cover that is too short can look incidental; one that is too long can hide the furniture, brush the floor, or interfere with the steps.
A good rule is to let the cover hang straight to the bottom of the front panel, or slightly below it, without touching the floor. If the ambo has a book stand or a microphone, check that the fabric will not cover the equipment or create a shadow on the reading surface.
Step 3: Check the Attachment
Look at how the current furniture is built. Is there a rail, a hook, a Velcro strip, a tie, or a flat surface? Does the cover need to wrap around a curved front? Is there a book stand that must remain accessible? These details determine whether a standard cover will sit correctly or whether you need a custom attachment.
If the furniture is curved or slanted, send a photo with the measurements. A flat panel can still work on a curved front, but the drop and the attachment may need adjustment.
Standard Sizes
| Size | Centimeters | Inches | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 50 × 160 cm | 19.7 × 63 in | Small lecterns, shorter drops, chapels. |
| Standard | 58 × 180 cm | 22.8 × 70.9 in | Most parish ambos and lecterns. |
| Long | 55 × 250 cm | 21.7 × 98.4 in | Deep ambos and pulpits, long front drops. |
| Custom | Any | Any | Non-standard, curved, or slanted furniture. |
Custom Sizes
If your measurements do not match a standard size, order a custom cover. Send us the width, the drop, the type of furniture, and a photo if possible. We will confirm the size before production. Custom covers are made in Poland in the same fabrics and embroidery as our standard pieces, with an additional 3–14 business days for production before dispatch.
For a parish with several pieces of furniture, measure each one separately. An ambo, a lectern, and a pulpit can all be different, even in the same church.
Common Measuring Mistakes
- Measuring only the top. The front panel may be narrower or wider; measure the surface the fabric will cover.
- Forgetting the drop. The width alone does not tell you how the cover will look.
- Ignoring the attachment. A cover that cannot be fixed safely will slip or pull.
- Not checking the floor clearance. A long cover should not touch the floor or the steps.
- Not accounting for the microphone or book stand. The cover should not obscure the equipment or the reading surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size lectern cover do I need?
A: Measure the width of the desk and the drop you want at the front. Standard sizes are 50 × 160 cm, 58 × 180 cm, and 55 × 250 cm; if your furniture is larger, smaller, curved, or slanted, order a custom size.
Q: How do I measure the drop?
A: Measure from the front edge of the desk down to where you want the cover to end. Let it hang straight to the bottom of the front panel or slightly below, without touching the floor.
Q: Can I use a standard cover on a curved ambo?
A: Often yes, if the width and drop are right and the cover can be attached securely. Send a photo with your measurements; a custom attachment or a slightly different drop may be needed.
Q: Should I measure in centimeters or inches?
A: Either works. Our product pages list both, and we confirm the size before production. Use the same unit for width and drop to avoid conversion mistakes.
Q: How long does a custom cover take?
A: Custom covers are made in Poland; allow an additional 3–14 business days for production before dispatch, plus shipping time.
Related Reading
Continue with What Is a Pulpit Fall? and How to Choose a Lectern or Pulpit Cover. Browse our lectern, pulpit, and ambo covers and our lector and altar server vestments.
