Quick Summary
To measure for a caravan awning, you need the A-measurement — the distance in centimetres around the outside of your caravan's awning rail, from ground on one side, up and over, and back down to ground on the other side.
Key tip: If your measurement falls between two size bands, size up rather than down. A slightly larger awning can be adjusted; one that's too small won't fit.
Buying the wrong size awning is one of the most common and frustrating mistakes caravan owners make. The good news is that measuring for a caravan awning is straightforward once you know what you're looking for. Here's a step-by-step guide.
What Is the Awning Size (A-Measurement)?
Caravan awnings are sized using what's known as the A-measurement — the distance in centimetres around the outside of your caravan's awning rail, from the ground on one side, up and over the rail, and back down to the ground on the other side.
This single measurement determines which awning will fit your caravan. It's not the width of your caravan — it's the full perimeter of the rail.
How Do I Measure My Caravan for an Awning?
You'll need a long tape measure or a length of string and a ruler.
- Find your awning rail — this is the channel that runs around the top and sides of your caravan, usually just below the roofline. It's where the awning bead slots in.
- Start at ground level on one side of the caravan, directly below where the awning rail begins.
- Feed your tape measure (or string) up into the awning rail channel and follow it along the full length of the rail — up one side, across the top, and down the other side.
- End at ground level on the other side, directly below where the rail ends.
- Note the measurement in centimetres — this is your A-measurement.
Tips for an Accurate Measurement
- Measure twice to be sure — even a small error can mean the awning doesn't fit
- If using string, mark the end point and measure the string against a tape measure on the ground
- Make sure your caravan is on level ground when measuring
- If your awning rail has a curve or dip at the corners, follow the rail closely rather than cutting across
What If My Measurement Falls Between Two Sizes?
Awnings are typically sold in size bands (e.g 801–850 cm, 851–900 cm). If your measurement falls near the top of a band, it's generally better to size up rather than down — a slightly larger awning can be adjusted, but one that's too small simply won't fit.
What's the Difference Between a Full Awning and a Porch Awning?
- Full awnings run the entire length of the caravan's awning rail and use the A-measurement as described above
- Porch awnings only cover part of the caravan and attach at two points on the rail — these are measured differently, typically by the width of the porch opening. Always check the manufacturer's fitting guide for porch awnings
How Do Drive-Away Awnings Differ from Caravan Awnings?
Drive-away awnings work differently — they attach to the vehicle using a connection rail or cowl system and are sized by attachment height (the height at which the awning connects to your vehicle), not by an A-measurement. See our drive-away awnings buying guide for more detail.
Still Not Sure? Come and See Us
If you're unsure about your measurement or which awning will fit your caravan, pop into our Newquay store and we'll help you work it out. Bring your A-measurement if you have it, or let us know your caravan make and model — we can often look up the correct size from there.
📍 Newquay Camping Shop, Newquay, Cornwall
Frequently Asked Questions: Measuring for a Caravan Awning
What is the A-measurement on a caravan?
The A-measurement is the distance in centimetres around the outside of your caravan's awning rail — from the ground on one side, up and over the top of the rail, and back down to the ground on the other side. This is the measurement you need to determine which size full awning will fit your caravan.
How do I measure my caravan for an awning?
Feed a tape measure or string into the awning rail channel starting at ground level on one side, follow it up and over the top, and down to ground level on the other side. Measure in centimetres — this is your A-measurement. Always measure twice to ensure accuracy.
Can I look up my caravan's awning size online?
Yes — many caravan manufacturers publish awning rail measurements for their models. You can often find your A-measurement by searching for your caravan make and model online. However, we recommend measuring yourself to be certain, as measurements can vary slightly depending on the year and any modifications.
What's the difference between a full awning and a porch awning?
A full awning runs the entire length of the caravan's awning rail and is sized using the A-measurement. A porch awning only covers a section of the caravan and attaches at two points on the rail — it's measured by the width of the porch opening, not the A-measurement.
What happens if my awning measurement falls between two sizes?
If your measurement falls near the top of a size band, it's generally better to size up rather than down. A slightly larger awning can be tensioned and adjusted to fit, but one that's too small simply won't reach and won't fit properly.
