What Are Standard Window Sizes?

When you’re looking at new windows or replacement windows, one of the first things you notice is window sizes. While you can purchase custom windows of nearly any size to fit any window frame, standard window sizes make the process easier and less expensive.

Standard-size windows are windows of set dimensions that fit into commonly found openings in newly built homes. Since window openings usually fall into these dimensional categories, standard-size windows work for most recently built homes.

Double-Hung or Single-Hung Windows

Double-hung windows have two sashes—an upper and a lower—that each move up and down. Usually, the top sash remains in place, with the lower sash being opened more frequently to permit air into the home.

Single-hung windows are the same as double-hung windows in terms of measurements. With single-hung windows, the top sash is fixed in place and the lower one is mobile.

Where to Install

Double-hung windows are a common, versatile window that works for many types of homes. They are best installed in common areas, bedrooms, or any room that can benefit from windows that can open.

Double-hung windows can be installed either on the first floor or on 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.

Double-Hung and Single-Hung Window Standard Sizes

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

Some common dimensional combinations for double-hung and single-hung windows:

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

Sliding Windows

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

Where to Install

Sliding windows work in nearly every room of the house: common areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas, and basements.

Sliding Window Standard Sizes

Sliding windows are always wider than they are tall or are square. Slider windows range from 36 inches to 84 inches wide. Heights range from 24 inches to 60 inches. Size combinations commonly found:

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

Picture or Fixed Windows

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

Where to Install

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

Picture/Fixed Window Standard 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 combinations include:

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

Casement Windows

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

Where to Install

Because casement windows are great with ventilation, they work well in kitchens or in bathrooms. They’re also good for persons with mobility issues or for areas where access is difficult, such as behind a kitchen sink. That’s because you don’t have to strain to lift or slide the sash: just unlatch and then turn the crank.

Casement Window Standard Sizes

Widths of casement windows commonly start at 17 inches and range up to 41 inches. Common 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 high (1725)
• 2 feet, 3 inches wide by 2 feet, 3 inches high (2323)
• 2 feet, 9 inches wide by 2 feet, 9 inches high (2929)
• 3 feet, 5 inches wide by 2 feet, 5 inches high (3525)

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. In fact, most homes that aren’t new constructions won’t have standard openings for windows. For these, you can order custom window sizes.

The custom or special sizes that window manufacturers offer sometimes have a greater size range than with standard 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 high.

Also, within those minimum and maximum sizes are smaller (and more) increments of sizes, down to 1/8-inch increments.

Expect to pay about 50 percent more for a custom or special sized window.