[header] How to measure a lamp shade [title] Take the shade off the lamp. [step] You'll have a much easier time measuring the shade if the lamp isn't in the way. Carefully remove the shade from the lamp and set in on a table for the moment. 
[substeps] If the lamp has a clip-on lamp shade fitter, you can simply pull it off the light bulb. Be gentle, though, to avoid damaging the bulb.