What Are Standard Window Sizes?

Choosing standard window sizes can make buying new or replacement windows fast and easy. Standard window sizes are also usually less expensive, especially helpful if you are installing them. In rare instances and depending on your home's age, you may need to opt for a custom size to fit a unique space. Read on to learn more about standard window sizes for your home.

What Are Standard Window Sizes?

Standard-size windows are windows of set dimensions in the United States that fit into commonly found openings for homes, particularly for recently built homes. Double-hung windows are the most common type of window, with widths ranging from 24 to 48 inches and heights ranging from 36 to 72 inches. You can purchase custom windows of nearly any size to fit any window frame for older homes built before these standards were set.

Double-Hung or Single-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows are the most popular windows purchased for homes in the U.S. "Double" refers to their two sashes—an upper and a lower—each moves up and down. Usually, the top sash remains in place, with the lower sash opening more frequently to permit air into the home.

Single-hung windows are the same as double-hung windows in terms of measurements. The top sash is fixed with single-hung windows; only the lower one is mobile.

Double-hung windows are always taller than they are wide. Double-hung window widths range from 24 inches to 48 inches. The heights of double-hung windows range from 36 inches to 72 inches.

Double-hung windows are common, versatile windows that work for many types of homes. These windows can be installed on the first or upper floors since they are easy to clean from inside the house. Single-hung windows work better on the ground level for easier access for cleaning or repairs.

Some common sizes for double-hung and single-hung windows:

• 2 feet wide by 3 feet high (2030)
• 2 feet wide by 4 feet, 4 inches tall (2044)
• 2 feet, 8 inches wide by 4 feet tall (2840)
• 2 feet, 8 inches wide by 5 feet, 2 inches high (2852)
• 4 feet wide by 6 feet high (4060)

Sliding Window Sizes

Sliding or slider windows have sashes that slide horizontally. One sash might be fixed in place, with the other moveable, or both sashes might be able to move.

Sliding windows are square or always wider than they are tall. Slider windows range from 36 inches to 84 inches wide. Heights range from 24 inches to 60 inches. Common sizes are:

• 3 feet wide by 2 feet high (3020)
• 3 feet wide by 3 feet tall (3030)
• 5 feet wide by 3 feet tall (5030)
• 6 feet wide by 4 feet tall (6040)
• 7 feet wide by 4 feet high (7040)
  

Picture or Fixed Window Sizes

Picture or fixed windows remain in place, with no sash or any part capable of sliding or opening.

Picture windows are usually found in any area where you want to maximize natural light. Install picture windows where you know you won't need to open the window for fresh air or cleaning. Because there are no moving parts on picture windows, they come in larger sizes.

Picture windows can be as narrow as 24 inches or as wide as 96 inches. The height of picture windows ranges from 12 inches to 96 inches. Popular sizes include:

• 3 feet wide by 2 feet high (3020)
• 5 feet wide by 3 feet tall (5030)
• 6 feet wide by 4 feet tall (6040)
• 4 feet wide by 5 feet tall (4050)
• 8 feet wide by 5 feet, 2 inches high (8052)

Casement Window Sizes

Casement windows are moveable windows that open from the side like a door. Their sashes open with a crank. Casement windows might have just one sash or two or more sashes.

These windows have many advantages. Casement windows offer great ventilation and they're helpful for persons with mobility issues or windows with difficult access, such as behind a kitchen sink. To open or close them, unlatch and turn the crank.

Widths of casement windows commonly start at 17 inches and range up to 41 inches. Standard heights range from 16 inches up to 33 inches:

• 1 foot, 7 inches wide by 1 foot, 4 inches high (1714)
• 1 foot, 7 inches wide by 2 feet, 5 inches tall (1725)
• 2 feet, 3 inches wide by 2 feet, 3 inches high (2323)
• 2 feet, 9 inches wide by 2 feet, 9 inches tall (2929)
• 3 feet, 5 inches wide by 2 feet, 5 inches high (3525)

Awning Window Sizes

An awning window (sometimes called a hopper window) is rectangular with a hinged top and opens at an angle out from the bottom. It can be left open for ventilation even during the rain because of the angle it stays open so the water runs down the glass and away from the house.

Awning windows tend to be smaller than other types of windows. Some common sizes include:

• 2 feet wide by 1 foot, 8 inches high (2018)
• 3 feet wide by 2 feet high (3020)
• 4 feet wide by 2 feet, 4 inches high (4024)
• 4 feet wide by 7 feet, 8 inches high (4078)
• 5 feet wide by 3 feet high (5030)
  

Window Sizes by Room

• Kitchen: You'll typically find casement, sliding, or awning windows in these spaces. If there's room, you can find a picture window here, as well. A kitchen window may be large, measuring around 24 inches wide by 36 inches high.
• Bathroom: Install casement, sliding, double-hung, or awning windows here. A bathroom window is typically smaller, such as 24 to 36 inches wide by 36 to 48 inches high to let in enough light and air while keeping the space private.
• Bedroom: Install single-hung, double-hung, or sliding windows. A bedroom window is usually 20 to 24 inches wide by 24 to 26 inches high.
• Living Room: Install picture/fixed windows, single or double-hung, or sliding windows in common spaces. A living room window usually measures 24 inches wide by 26 inches wide, unless you opt for a large picture window.
• Basement: Sliding windows, and sometimes awning windows, are typically installed in basements. A basement window is purely functional for some light and ventilation, typically measuring 30 to 36 inches wide by 12 to 24 inches tall for older homes.
  

Custom Window Sizes 

While standard window sizes work for most homes, there may be window frames that require windows that don't fall into these prescribed categories. Most older homes may not have standard window openings. You will likely need to order custom window sizes. Expect to pay about 50% more for a custom or special-sized window.

Some window manufacturers may offer a great size range for custom or non-standard-sized windows. For example, one major manufacturer offers standard casement windows that reach 2 feet, 9 inches high, but their custom casements can go as high as 8 feet tall. Also, within those minimum and maximum sizes are increments of sizes, up or down in 1/8-inch increments.