Standard window sizes aren’t discovered by shopping for windows at your local hardware store. There are standard window sizes for every home. Each size will depend on your home and what you want.
Window dimensions are unique to the room where they’re installed. A kitchen window does not have the same dimensions as a window in a living room. If you know the type of window you want, it’s as helpful as knowing its size.
History of the Window
Asian countries used paper windows as early as 100 BC. The Romans had glass windows 2,000 years ago. And in 17th century England, glass replaced animal horns for the modern-day window. Glass windows were a privilege enjoyed by the wealthy.
In the US, beginning in the 19th century, Grecian-style windows were the norm throughout most of the century. Starting in the 20th century, standard window frames were manufactured and available across the country. The balloon-framed windows were built with hinged openings. The single-pane windows weren’t heavy, which made installation easy.
In the 50s, windows were bare-edged, metallic, and rectangular. The windows had wood frames and homes were built with shutters for protection. By the end of the decade, double-paned window styles were introduced to the public.
In the 70s, double-pane windows became the norm. Single-pane windows were phased out.
Differences Between Single Pane And Double Pane Windows
Single pane windows may not be common today, but you will find them in older homes. Almost all windows in a residential home will be double-pane windows.
Single-Pane Windows
Single-pane windows were common in residential homes up until the 70s. Today, they aren’t used. Older homes have single-pane windows.
The problem with single-pane windows is how they don’t insulate homes as well as their double-pane counterpart. When you’re trying to heat or cool your home, single-pane windows are effective in protecting your home from outdoor climates.
If single-pane windows have a benefit, it’s that they’re cheap. But the money you save on buying cheap windows, you spend later when trying to heat or cool your home.
Double Pane Windows
Double-pane windows are the norm in homes across the country. In California, for example, it is against the law for contractors to install single-pane windows. If a homeowner in Los Angeles wants single-pane windows, then they will have to install the windows themselves.
Although double pane windows cost more, the money you save on your energy bills will be worth it in the long run. Window technology now includes non-toxic, non-visible argon gas in the space between panes.
Double-pane windows protect you from extreme weather conditions and outside noise pollution. The glass is also harder to break. You can also have the windows customized to include a laminated security glass.
What Are The Standard Window Sizes?
While there isn’t one set size for windows, there are a few standard window sizes that are easy to find. The standard size for regular single and double-hung windows is 24″ wide by 36″ tall.
Window size will vary from house to house and even by room and window type. For example, a basement awning window may be only 12 inches wide, while a picture window in a living room can be 52 inches wide.
Window manufacturers offer several widths and heights based on the style of the window.
Refer to the chart below for average sizes of different styles of windows:
| Type of Window | Average Widths | Average Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Single-hung | 24 - 48 inches | 24 - 60 inches |
| Double-hung | 24 - 48 inches | 24 - 60 inches |
| Casement | 12 -36 inches | 24 - 84 inches |
| Sliding | 36 - 84 inches | 24 - 60 inches |
| Bow | 4-6 standard size double-hung, single-hung, or casement windows | 4-6 standard size double-hung, single-hung, or casement windows |
| Bay | 42 - 126 inches | 36 - 78 inches |
| Picture | 28 - 52 inches | 12 -96 inches |
| Awning | 12 - 96 inches | 12 - 60 inches |
| Garden | 36 - 72 inches | 24 - 48 inches |
| Hopper | 14 to 50 inches | 12 to 60 inches |
| Arched | 24 - 192 inches | 24 - 192 inches |
| Round | 24 - 36 inches | 24 - 36 inches |
| Jalousie | 12 - 36 inches | 24 - 48 inches |
| Transom | 6 to 24 inches | 6 to 24 inches |
| Glass Block | 12 - 72 inches | 12 - 72 inches |
| Egress | Minimum 20 inches | Minimum 24 inches |
| Skylight | 20 - 60 inches | 20 - 84 inches |
| Storm Windows | Any - made to fit over standard window sizes | Any - made to fit over standard window sizes |
How To Find What Size Of Window You Need
If you’re building a home, work with your contractor to determine the best window sizes for each room. If you’re ordering replacement windows, you can take measurements or have an installation crew do it for you.
To get an accurate size, you’ll need to measure your window’s width and height.
- Measure your window’s width in three places: the top, middle, and bottom. The smallest number is your width.
- Measure your window’s height in three places: the far left, middle, and far right. The smallest number is your height.
When measuring, move the sash out of the way, so your measurements are accurate. You’ll also need to measure the jamb depth of your window to ensure it’s at least 3 ¼ inches – if not, new replacement windows might not fit.
To learn more about measuring, read our guide on measuring for replacement windows. If you feel unqualified to take measurements, schedule a quote with the store, brand, or contractor you’ll be ordering from – they’ll take the measurements for you and order the correct size windows.
Burglar-Proof Windows
The type of window and size of the window that you get matter. In more than 70% of home break-ins, burglars break through the window or door by breaking the glass.
While an alarm system offers the best protection, locks won’t be as effective if your windows are easy to break.
Here are the three most popular options to protect your home:
- Glazing – is a simple clear coat that can add protection and security to your window. Double-glazed windows are very hard to break into and are one of the cheapest anti-burglary options that really work.
- Film– A security window film is another great option. You can add it to your window and it won’t be visible to the naked eye. But it offers great protection that doesn’t allow burglars to gain entry after breaking the glass.
- Glass – Getting riot glass, or even something less secure is your safest option. This way, they can’t break the glass. However, unbreakable glass is expensive, so it may not be your easiest decision to make. If you’re looking for security systems, make sure you get a good one. Security systems aren’t cheap, but it is best to get your info from third parties.
Types Of Windows
Window size depends on the type of window you are referring to. There are different types of windows you can get. Each of them has different standard window sizes.
Here are a few examples:
Single-Hung Window Dimensions
- Width: 24 to 48 inches
- Height: 24 to 60 inches
Single-hung window size has a single movable sash. The sash is pulled up from the bottom to let air in. The top of the window never moves. This is the cheapest and most common type of window and is known as the “standard window.”
Double-Hung Window Dimensions
- Width: 24 to 48 inches
- Height: 24 to 60 inches
Double-hung windows have two operating sashes. Both the top and bottom can move so you can let air in from either end. This offers more ventilation options. This type of window is expensive but very valuable.
Awning Window Dimensions
- Width: 12 to 96 inches
- Height: 12 to 60 inches
Awning windows are actually wider than they are tall. They open outward from the bottom and have hinges at the top. They are great for areas that get a lot of rain because they can be opened when it’s raining.
Bow WindowDimensions
- Width: 4 to 6 windows wide
- Height: 1 window tall
Bow windows feature 4-6 windows of the same size, installed at a slight angle that “bows” away from the home. Like bay windows, bow windows are a type of projection window – the main difference is they don’t extend as far past the home’s exterior wall.
Arched Window Dimensions
- Width: 24 to 192 inches
- Height: 24 to 192 inches
This Victorian-style window is round at the top. They don’t come in standard sizes because they are often custom-made. You can find gigantic arched windows and tiny ones used in bathrooms and painted as stained glass
Casement Window Dimensions
- Width: 12 to 36 inches per window
- Height: 24 to 84 inches per window
Casement windows provide full ventilation to a room. The hinges move on the window’s vertical side and open like French doors. They are both affordable and high-end.
Egress Window Dimensions
- Width: At least 20-inches
- Height: At least 24-inches
These windows offer an escape in an emergency. Hence the name, egress, which means escape or leave. Egress windows must be a specific size -at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall to meet the International Residential Code for fire safety.
According to the code, basements, sleeping rooms, and habitable attics, all must have at least one operable emergency escape.
Glass Block Window Dimensions
- Width: 4 to 8 inches per block
- Height: 4 to 8 inches per block
These windows are made block by block and aren’t sold as whole windows. The blocks are also for building shower walls.
Garden Window Dimensions
- Width: 36 to 72 inches
- Height: 24 to 48 inches
Garden windows are convex windows that protrude from a wall. They offer a great place to display treats and indoor plants. They are perfect for growing plants indoors, especially kitchen plants like herbs and vegetables.
Jalousie Window Dimensions
- Width: 12 to 36 inches
- Height: 24 to 48 inches
Jalousie windows are common in mild climates. They are similar to glass blinds that have panels you can fold in to close or open them to let air in. They are dangerous in cold, hot, and stormy climates.
Transom Window Dimensions
- Width: copies window size
- Height: 6 to 24 inches
A transom is a horizontal beam that divides a window’s upper part to offer more light. These windows are the same width as the window, or door, below but are much shorter. They are similar to clerestory windows.
Hopper Window Dimensions
- Width: 14 to 50 inches
- Height: 12 to 60 inches
A hopper window is an awning window that opens from the bottom instead of the top. While awning windows let air in without letting rain in, hopper windows let the smoke out. So they are perfect for kitchens.
Clerestory Window Dimensions
- Width: Any
- Height: Any
With clerestory windows, any window will work. Check out this clerestory window guide for more info.
Picture Window Dimensions
- Width: 28 to 52 inches
- Height: 12 to 96 inches
A picture window is a large window that doesn’t open. It has a slim frame and offers expansive views outside, acting as a picture frame. Most window manufacturers offer picture windows in custom sizes.
Circle Window Dimensions
- Width: 24 to 36 inches
- Height: 24 to 36 inches
A circle window is the same diameter no matter how you measure it. These windows are smaller than most.
Skylight Window Dimensions
- Width: 20 to 60 inches
- Height: 20 to 84 inches
Skylights are rooftop windows. They allow natural light to flood into a home and can be fixed or operable. They come in many shapes and sizes, and you can add them to any space.
Sliding Window Dimensions
- Width: 36 to 84 inches
- Height: 24 to 60 inches
Sliding windows are similar to double and single-pane windows, only they’re horizontal rather than vertical. They feature two sashes. In some sliding windows, both sashes open, while others only have one operable sash.
Bay Window Dimensions
- Width: 42 to 126 inches
- Height: 36 to 78 inches
Bay windows contain three to five windows. The typical setup features a large picture window in the middle flanked by two single-hung, double-hung, or casement windows. Bay windows jut out past a home’s exterior wall and create a nook inside.
Storm Window Dimensions
- Width: any
- Height: any
Storm windows are inserts that go on the inside or outside of a window to help with insulation. They are most common for older, single-pane windows.
Storm windows are an inexpensive way of adding protection against the weather if you’re not ready to replace your current windows.
You can purchase storm windows in custom sizes to fit the windows in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Can I Get A Custom Window That Isn't One Of The Standard Window Sizes?
Custom windows are more expensive than pre-built models. You can order them from a hardware store and licensed contractors. Before ordering custom windows, work with a contractor to find the best windows for your home.
What Are The Most Common Window Sizes in the US?
In the US, double-hung windows are the most popular window style. On average, double-hung windows are between 24 and 48 inches in width and 36-72 inches in height.
Do You Need Windows For Your Home?
Egress requirements mandate there must be an operable window in every residential bedroom.
What Is The Strongest Window Glass On The Market Today?
Impact-rated glass is the strongest window glass material you can buy. Homeowners in hurricane zones need impact-rated windows. Another type of strong window glass is tempered glass. Tempered glass crumbles rather than shatters.
Does A House Have To Have Windows?
Every house must have a certain number of windows. A home will not pass building inspection unless it has windows. You can’t build a home without windows.
What is the standard window width?
The standard window width for double and single-hung windows, the most common style, is 24 to 48 inches. Casement windows range from 12 to 36 inches wide. Large and decorative options, like bay, bow, and picture windows, can be as wide as 126 inches.
What is the standard size small bathroom window?
Since every bathroom is different, there is no standard-size small bathroom window. Some popular options for small bathrooms are horizontal sliding and awning windows. You can get an awning window as small as 12 inches wide by 12 inches high.
What is the average bedroom window size?
Most bedrooms feature standard double or single-hung windows 24 inches wide by 36 inches tall. While you can choose any size window for your bedroom, at least one must meet egress codes and be a minimum of 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall.
Standard Window Sizes Conclusion
With window sizes, it’s about you and your home. If you want to save money upfront because you want to sell your house soon, then cheaper windows would one option. If you plan on living in your home for the next ten years, then spend more money on your windows. You’ll save more money in the long-term and enjoy living comfortably as your windows protect your from hot or cold climates.
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