What Are Standard Window Sizes?

If you’re looking to purchase a replacement window or planning the layout of a new home, understanding standard window sizes is imperative to choosing new windows. Most modern homes use standard window sizes, and standard sizes differ depending on the window type.

Standard Window Sizes by Type

1. Picture Windows
2. Casement Windows
3. Double-Hung Windows
4. Sliding Windows
5. Bay Windows
6. Awning Windows
7. Garden Windows
8. Custom Windows

Standard window sizes are the common, rough window opening sizes in most home windows. Window manufacturers produce windows in these standard dimensions to make it easier to replace and install new windows. Therefore, most homes are built with these standard window sizes.

If you’re replacing a window, you likely have a window opening that fits a standard measurement. The next step to purchasing a new window is knowing what type of window you want and if your window opening will accommodate a standard window size.

How Are Window Sizes Labeled?

Before we dive into the standard window sizes for each window type, it’s important to note that window manufacturers display window measurements differently than the common width x height.

Rather, they use a set of four numbers to describe the size. The first two digits describe the window width in feet and inches, and the second set describes the window height in feet and inches.

For example, a window that is 2 feet, 4 inches in width, and 3 feet, 0 inches in height, would be displayed as 2430 (28” x 36”).

Standard Window Sizes by Type

If you’re in the market to purchase a new window for your home, determine which type of window you need and consider the following common window sizes:

1. Picture Windows

Picture windows are large windows with a low-profile frame. They are inoperable, meaning they can’t open. They are designed to showcase a landscape view and bring more light into the home. Because they can’t open, they are the most energy-efficient window style option you can choose.

Picture windows come in a variety of standard sizes, and they are most common in living rooms, where everyone can enjoy their expansive view. That said, picture windows can also be in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms.

Standard Picture Window Widths

• 24 inches
• 36 inches
• 48 inches
• 60 inches
• 72 inches
• 96 inches

Standard Picture Window Heights

• 12 inches
• 18 inches
• 24 inches
• 36 inches
• 48 inches
• 52 inches
• 60 inches
• 62 inches
• 72 inches
• 96 inches

2. Casement Windows

Casement windows are windows that swing open and outward from the home, rather than sliding up or down like a traditional window. These windows feature a crank to open the window with a hinged side.

As you might imagine, casement windows offer maximum ventilation and are great for tight or awkward areas where it might be hard to open or close a window. Casement windows are often in the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, and they come in a variety of standard sizes.

Standard Casement Window Widths

• 14 inches min to 35.5 inches max

Standard Casement Window Heights

• 29.5 inches min to 77.5 inches max

3. Double-Hung Windows

A double hung window is a traditional-style window with a slight twist—rather than just the bottom sash being able to open up or down (as is the case with a single hung window), the top sash can also open. This allows more airflow to circulate and offers more flexibility when it comes to which portion of the window you want opened.

Double hung windows and single hung windows are the most common window styles, and can be in any room of the house, such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedrooms.

Double hung windows and single hung windows come in the same standard house window sizes.

Standard Double Hung Window Widths

• 24 inches
• 28 inches
• 32 inches
• 40 inches
• 44 inches
• 48 inches

Standard Double Hung Window Heights

• 36 inches
• 44 inches
• 48 inches
• 52 inches
• 54 inches
• 60 inches
• 62 inches
• 72 inches

4. Sliding Windows

As the name describes, sliding windows are windows that slide open horizontally. Because the sliding sash moves left to right (or vice versa), sliding windows are wider than they are tall.

The advantage of sliding windows is that they’re easy to open and allow plenty of air ventilation into the room. A popular way to use sliding windows is to have two installed in the same window opening, allowing you to have a large window that opens from both sides.

However, sliding windows may have special installation requirements, so it’s best to speak with a professional window installer before moving forward.

Standard Sliding Window Widths

• 36 inches
• 48 inches
• 60 inches
• 72 inches
• 84 inches

Standard Sliding Window Heights

• 24 inches
• 36 inches
• 48 inches
• 60 inches

5. Bay Windows

A beautiful architectural piece, bay windows add light, beauty, and space to any room. Bay windows are three or more windows that angle out from the house. Because of this, they require an area that is structurally designed to feature bay windows.

Bay windows are most common in dining rooms, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Whether you’re looking for bay replacement windows or installing them in a new home, bay windows will add a sense of grace and style to your space.

Standard Bay Window Widths

• 42 inches min to 126 inches max

Standard Bay Window Heights

• 36 inches min to 84 inches max

6. Awning Windows

Awnings were popular in the 19th century, but they are making a comeback as a stylish architectural addition to home windows. They are typically installed with another traditional window style, and open up and outward via a hinge at the top of the window.

Awnings open at an angle, which allows the window to be opened even during a rainstorm. Not only are awning windows aesthetically pleasing, but the cool breeze from a summer storm and the delightful smell of rain adds a cozy touch to any room.

Awning windows are popular in the kitchen, but can also be in bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.

Standard Awning Window Widths

• 12 inches min to 46⅛ inches max

Standard Awning Window Heights

• 20 inches min to 92⅞ inches max

7. Garden Windows

If you love house plants, then you’ll want to seriously consider adding a garden window to your home. A garden window protrudes outward and has a three-dimensional glass structure. The sill is deep set, which allows plenty of space for plants.

This unique window style acts as a mini greenhouse, and is the perfect place to grow herbs, house plants, and garden seedlings. Because this window type is uncommon, you can create a distinct look that is truly your own.

Garden windows are best in areas that receive direct sunlight, such as a south-facing room. They are also commonly found in the kitchen or bathroom.

Standard Garden Window Widths

• 36 inches min to 72 inches max

Standard Garden Window Heights

• 36 inches min to 60 inches max

8. Custom Windows

As you might imagine, not every home has window openings that fit the standard rough window dimensions. This is often the case in older homes built before window sizes were standardized. If this is the case for your home, you’ll need to consider replacing your old window with a custom designed window.

You may also want to opt for a custom window if you have a design in mind that doesn’t fit into standard window measurements. For instance, maybe you want a picture window that’s larger than the maximum width and height available. On the other hand, maybe you like to think outside the box and want a window that isn’t the standard rectangle shape.

If you’re in a scenario where standard window sizes won’t work for your home or design, the Rustica design team is here to help create a window that will meet your needs. Custom windows are the way to go if you need to replace an old window with odd dimensions or your design is calling for a size that doesn’t fit the standard size. Either way, Rustica is here to help!

Are Standard Window Sizes Cheaper?

In general, standard window sizes are cheaper than custom windows. This is because window manufacturers mass produce windows in the standard sizes. A window with custom dimensions requires more work and time than a window with standard measurements.
That said, several factors affect the price of a new window, such as size, style, frame material, and glass. When it comes to size, the larger the window, the more expensive it will be, no matter whether it is a standard size or custom designed.

The benefit of a custom designed window is that you have full say in the frame material, glass material, size, and style. This means you can choose between vinyl, wood, or metal for the frame, energy-efficient glass with privacy options, and a window size that fits perfectly in your home. Basically, you have more options with custom windows, even though they generally are more expensive.

What Size Window Do I Need?

If you’re designing a new home or addition, you’ll have full control over window sizes. The window size and style you need depends on the space in question. If you need assistance figuring out what size and style you want for a specific space, feel free to contact Rustica’s customer support and we’ll help you in the decision process.

Some questions you’ll want to ask yourself is what style are you going for? How do you want the window to open? How much space do you have to work with? Do you want a unique window, such as an awning or garden window? These are a few basic questions to help you get started.

If you’re replacing a window, the first step is to figure out your current window’s dimensions. To do that, review our article on how to measure a window. Once you have your measurements, you can check to see if a standard size fits your dimensions or if you’ll need to order a custom window.

Purchase A New Window with Rustica Today!

Buying new windows for your home is an exciting process, but it does require some technical knowledge. Now that you know the standard window sizes for different window types, you can find the perfect window for your home.

On the other hand, maybe you discovered you need to order a custom window with specific dimensions. Even though it may seem more daunting to order a custom window, you’ll be more than pleased with the final product because you’ll be in control of the entire design process!

Whether you’re looking for a casement window, picture window, or garden window, Rustica has the perfect design to meet your needs! We offer standard and custom sizes, and we’re always here to help if you need any assistance. Go ahead and shop Rustica’s selection of high-quality windows today!