A Buyer’s Guide to Standard Window Sizes

September 30, 2024

Whether you’re remodeling your home or replacing your windows, it’s helpful to learn at least a little about common window sizes. By choosing windows in standard sizes, you can save yourself a good amount of money and hassle on your next project.   

What Are the Standard Window Sizes?

Back in the day, windows came in all sorts of sizes, but this, unsurprisingly, created a lot of problems when it was time for homeowners to replace them. Eventually, homebuilders started sticking to a range of common house window sizes.  

If your house is less than 50 years old, chances are your windows adhere to a standard size. That doesn’t mean your windows have to all be the exact same size. Standard window sizes can range significantly, which still gives you a lot of flexibility if you are redesigning your kitchen, bathroom, or other room in your house.   

Benefits of Using Standard Size Windows

The biggest benefit of choosing standard windows for your remodel is the cost savings. While pricing per window varies, you may be able to save up to 75% on your windows if you use a standard window versus a custom window. Choosing a custom window for a remodel may also require your contractor to change the existing window cutout, adding more expense to the overall project.  

Additionally, you can usually save time on your project by selecting common window sizes. Your chosen window manufacturer is more likely to have standard window sizes in stock and can quickly ship to your home.  

How to Read Window Sizes 

As you plan your remodel or window replacement, you’ll want to know what size windows you already have and what size windows you’d like to add (if any). That means learning how to read standard window sizes in inches and feet. 

To start, window sizes are typically expressed as width x height. So, a window listed as 36” x 60” is 36 inches wide and 60 inches tall.  

Many window manufacturers use a special, four-digit notation system that goes like this: The window’s width in feet then inches followed by the window’s height in feet then inches. So, a picture window sized 8052 means the window is eight feet, zero inches wide and five feet, two inches high.  

With a little practice, you’ll quickly get the hang of it.  

Standard Window Sizes by Window Type

The most common window sizes differ by window type. If you know what type of window you want for your project, that will help narrow down your standard sizing options.   

1. Single- or Double-Hung Windows

The most common type of window in modern U.S. homes is the single- or double-hung window. These windows have one or two sashes that slide open vertically. They are often taller than they are wide. The most common window sizes for this type of window are:  

  • 2 ft x 3 ft (2030) 
  • 2 ft x 4 ft 4 in (2044) 
  • 2 ft 8 in x 4ft (2840) 
  • 2 ft 8 in x 5 ft 2in (2852) 
  • 4 ft x 6 ft (4060)  

2. Picture Windows

These non-opening windows are usually designed to showcase a beautiful outdoor view while allowing maximum natural light. As a result, standard window sizes for picture windows tend to be large:  

  • 3 ft x 2 ft (3020) 
  • 5 ft x 3 ft (5030) 
  • 6 ft x 4 ft (6040) 
  • 4 ft x 5 ft (4050) 
  • 8 ft x 5 ft 2 in (8052)  

3. Sliding Windows

Also known as gliding windows, sliding windows contain sashes that slide along a track to open horizontally. They are easy to use, offer great views, and are typically wider than they are taller. Common sizes include: 

  • 3 ft x 2 ft (3020) 
  • 3 ft x 3 ft (3030) 
  • 5 ft x 3 ft (5030) 
  • 6 ft x 4 ft (6040) 
  • 7 ft x 4 ft (7040)  

4. Casement Windows 

These hinged windows open outward like a door. Casement windows provide unobstructed views and good ventilation. More modern versions of this window come with a crank for easier opening. They’re often taller than they are wide: 

  • 1 ft 7 in x 1 ft 4 in (1714) 
  • 1 ft 7 in x 2 ft 5 in (1725) 
  • 2 ft 3 in x 2 ft 3 in (2323) 
  • 2 ft 9 in x 2 ft 9 in (2929) 
  • 3 ft 5 in x 2 ft 5 in (3525)  

5. Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward from the bottom. They can provide good ventilation when open, even during a light summer rain. Often, these window types are wider than they are tall: 

  • 3 ft x 2 ft (3020) 
  • 4 ft x 2 ft 4in (4024) 
  • 5 ft x 3 ft (5030)  

Common Window Sizes by Room

Current building regulations can and do impact what size windows can go in certain rooms of your home. If you’re remodeling, you’ll want to understand these requirements for standard window sizes in certain areas.  

1. Bedroom Windows

If you have bedrooms on an upper level of your home, at least one window in the room needs to be large enough to allow the occupant to escape in an emergency (unless the bedroom also has a door to the outside). Generally, at least one window should be 20 inches by 20 inches (2020) to meet this standard. Fortunately, many standard window sizes meet this requirement.  

2. Bathroom Windows

All modern bathrooms require some form of ventilation. That usually means it either needs an exhaust fan or a window. If you don’t have a fan in your bathroom, the window must be able to open and must be at least three square feet in size (3030). Within those guidelines, you can choose from a variety of common window sizes.  

3. Kitchen Windows

The good news is that kitchens don’t have any specific building requirements related to windows. That means you get lots of flexibility when replacing windows in your kitchen or planning your kitchen remodel. Consider what kind of window you want in the space and then determine which window size matches your vision for the room.  

Custom Window Sizing 

While choosing windows in a standard size can save you time and money on your home project, it’s not always possible to do. In some situations, it’s best to order custom-sized windows.  

If you live in an older home, you might need to replace your windows and find that they’re non-standard sizes. It could cost more to reshape your window footprints than to simply order custom windows. 

Additionally, certain features of your home may make it difficult to put in standard window sizes. Piping, wiring, or load-bearing beams near areas where you want to place windows may force you to choose custom sizes.  

Sometimes, you may just have a specific vision for your windows outside the standard sizing. Whether it’s massive picture windows to show off your landscape or a beautiful bow window to fit heirloom furniture, custom windows may be the best choice  

Whatever size windows you need in your home, the window experts at West Shore Home can help. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and free quote.  

Standard Window Sizing FAQs

What are the most common window sizes for residential properties?

The most common window sizes in modern homes are double-hung windows: 2’ x 3’ (2030), 2’ x 4’ 4” (2044), 2’ 8” x 4’ (2840), 2’ 8” x 5’ 2” (2852), and 4’ x 6’ (4060).  

How do I measure common window sizes?

Find the width of your window by measuring the distance between the inside of the left and right jambs of the window. Measure across the top, middle, and bottom. Take the smallest measurement. Find the height by measuring from the top of the sill to the underside of the head jamb. Measure at the left, center, and right and choose the smallest measurement. This should give you the correct size of your window.  

Can I customize window sizes to fit my specific needs?

Absolutely. Many window manufacturers can create custom windows based on the size you need. Just keep in mind that custom windows almost always cost more than common house window sizes. It may also take extra time for your custom windows to ship and arrive at your house since they most likely won’t be in stock.