When trying to determine the type and size of windows you need for your space, you have to first determine what exactly standard window sizes are and if you are going to require custom windows or will typical windows work. Common window sizes vary depending on the function of the space such as a standard bathroom window is smaller than a standard kitchen window.
Average window size will depend on the era that the home was built in along with the type of windows uses. Any updates made to older homes could have had the average window size enlarged to make larger, more modern window openings. The standard window dimensions for each space will be different but should fall within the popular sizes that are used by contractors and builders. When building a home, standard window dimensions should be considered when figuring which windows will bring in the most natural sunlight.
There are no technical or real standard window sizes but there is what would be considered popular window sizes that most contractors and home improvement stores recommend. Types of windows include single hung or double hung, casement windows, basement windows and gliders or sliding windows. Specialty windows are the window sizes that are not popular and used less often. Custom windows are windows that are odd-sized or shaped and not readily found at home improvement stores or specialty window stores. Standard window sizes or popular window sizes does vary depending on the window.
Standard House Window Size
When determining what size windows are needed for your house you need to measure all the windows that will need replacing or updated. You will notice that not all house window sizes are the same. Usually the bathroom, basement and kitchen windows will vary in size. Picture or bay windows will also be of varying sizes and while they may be standard window sizes for their type, they are still considerably larger than single hung, double hung or casement windows. It is always a good idea to have a window professional come out and measure your windows for you. Most home improvement stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot will offer a free assessment and on-site inspection.
Vinyl or Wood Windows
Depending on when your home was built, it will either have vinyl or wood windows. Vinyl windows are the latest and greatest in standard window sizes as they are pre-fabricated and come in a variety of sizes. Vinyl windows come in standard window sizes with a width from 18 inches to 48 inches and a height from 18 inches to 36 inches.
Wood Windows are still popular, especially in homes that are true to their era. The biggest concern with wooden windows is not being able to get standard window sizes but the rot that can occur around the frame of the window. Wood windows can come in standard window sizes with a variety of widths: 18, 20, 24, 28, 30, 32, 36, 42, 48, 54 and 60 inches and heights of 18, 20, 24, 28, 30, 36, 42 and 48 inches.
Single Hung or Double Hung Window Size
Single hung windows: Single hung windows along with double hung windows are the most common and basic window. Single hung windows look like two windows that are attached and mounted vertically. They either will slide up or will open out. One window panel will remain stationary at all times. Single hung window sizes come in 24 inch by 36 inch, 24 inch by 46 inch, 28 inch by 54 inch, 28 inch by 66 inch, 28 inch by 70 inch, 34 inch by 46 inch or 34 inch by 62 inch. Single hung window sizes other than those listed would be considered specialty or custom sizes. When replacing windows in your space, it is best to do so with standard window sizes rather than go with specialty or custom windows.
Double hung windows: Double hung windows also look like two windows that are attached and mounted vertically. Both frames will open. The standard double hung window sizes are ideal for living areas and bedrooms. They can be used in any room in the house since standard double hung windows come in several popular sizes. Standard double hung window sizes are 24 inch by 36 inch, 24 inch by 46 inch, 28 inch by 54 inch, 28 inch by 66 inch, 28 inch by 70 inch, 34 inch by 46 inch or 34 inch by 62 inch. As with single hung window sizes, any size other than those listed for standard double hung windows would be considered specialty or custom sizes. Standard window sizes are always the best choice to make replacing double hung windows much easier.
So you are may be wondering what’s the difference between single hung windows and double hung windows. See the below photos to clarify.
Watch the video below to know about the main differences between single hung windows and double hung windows:
Glider Window or Sliding Window Size
Gliders or better known as sliding windows have two glass panels that are side by side instead of on top of each other. These types of windows are most commonly found in bathrooms or porches. They can be used anywhere in the house, though. Standard sliding window sizes are 24 inch by 23 inch, 36 inch by 36 inch, 48 inch by 24 inch or 48 inch by 36 inch. Standard window sizes for sliding windows are usually easy to find and replace when necessary.
Casement Window Size
Standard window sizes for casement windows come in a wide variety. Casement windows are either single framed or double framed. They are also either horizontal or vertical. The main difference between single hung and double hung casement windows is that casement windows all open out. Because they open out, some casement windows do not have screens on them. The ones that do have screens are opened using a hand crank. Casement windows are generally found in kitchens, attics, basements and bathrooms. Twin casement windows have standard casement window sizes of 21 inch by 45 inch or 21 inch by 53 inch. Single casement windows have standard casement window sizes of 25 inch by 35 inch, 29 inch by 47 inch, or 29 inch by 59 inch.
Basement Window Size
Basement windows are usually shorter than standard house window sizes. They have to fit in the small space between the top of the concrete foundation and the ground that the house sits on. Most basement windows are sliders, casement windows or vent windows. Some basement windows do not open at all and are stationary. Standard window sizes for basement windows come in 32 inch widths and range in height from 15 inches to 24 inches.
Kitchen Window Size
Most kitchen windows are casement windows. Although, depending on when the home was built, they could easily still have single hung or double hung windows. Kitchen window size is determined by the size of the kitchen and the necessity for natural light. Newer homes have larger custom kitchen windows that are casement windows. These are not standard window sizes and are therefore considered to be custom windows. Standard kitchen window sizes include 21 inch by 45 inch, 21 inch by 53 inch, 25 inch by 35 inch, 29 inch by 47 inch, or 29 inch by 59 inch. These are common window sizes for kitchens and any other size would be considered specialty or custom.
Bedroom Window Size
Standard bedroom window sizes can differ from era to era. Within the past 20 years, larger windows that allow natural sunlight to come into the bedroom are more popular and therefore larger standard bedroom window sizes are the norm. Older homes, however, will still have smaller standard bedroom window sizes. Unless the windows are specialty or custom, it should be relatively easy to locate common window sizes that your home needs. Standard window sizes for the bedroom are generally 24 inch by 36 inch, 24 inch by 46 inch, 28 inch by 54 inch, 28 inch by 66 inch, 28 inch by 70 inch, 34 inch by 46 inch or 34 inch by 62 inch and are either single hung or double hung windows.
How To Measure Replacement Windows
When replacement windows are needed and you are not sure if you have standard window sizes in your home, it is easy to measure each window. You can have a professional come to your home and measure your windows if you are not sure how to do so or you can follow this simple guide to measure for replacement windows.
First, you are going to measure the width. You will measure between the jambs at the top, middle and bottom of the window opening to get the width. By measuring from the surface of the jambs, not from the parting beads or trim strips of the old window opening you will get a true measurement. You will use the smallest of the three measurements as the width of the entire window.
Next, you will measure the height. You will need to measure from the high point of the window sill or the surface closest to the inside of the window to the top of the window opening. You will again make three measurements, one on the right side, one on the left side and one in the middle of the window opening. The smallest measurement is the one that will be used for the height of the window.
Finally, you need to measure the depth of the window. When measuring the depth of the window ignore any pulleys or parting strips. These will be removed when replacement windows are installed. In order for a window to be able to be replaced ,there must be at least 3 ¼ inches between the inside window trip and the outside blind stop strip. If the depth is less than 3 ¼ inches than it is definitely not a standard window size and will require custom windows or the framing will need to be built out to accept standard window sizes.
Standard Window Size Chart
The chart for ta ypical window size is given below.
