Standard Window Width: Choosing The Right Style For Your Home
Standard window width often changes. When building a home, one of the first things you need to figure out is the width of your windows. Before you begin designing your home, you’ll need to follow the window size notation or window sizing process.
Establish your window openings and window dimension for each room. When replacing windows, if you choose different windows, then you’ll need the actual measurements for each space. Home windows with rough openings will be more difficult than installing common window sizes.
If your window measurements are wrong, your house will not be balanced. It’s essential for you to choose and measure which window style you want for your living space as example, and their sizes.
What Is The Standard Window Width?
Window width sizes range between 36 inches, 48 inches, 60 inches, 72 inches, and 84 inches. However, with common window sizes, most windows in US households are 36 inches wide. The standard window height is between 36 inches to 60 inches. You’ll notice that windows appear wider than they are tall because they’re assembled according to width, not height.
Half Inch Rule For Window Dimensions
Window manufacturers rely on window size notation for replacement windows. The purpose is to help you identify the window size for a rough opening. A window’s size notation is a combination of width and height.
The first two numbers are for width and the second two numbers are for height. For example, a 2628 replacement window would have a width of 2 feet and 6 inches and a height of 2 feet and 8 inches. Don’t forget that the measurements of the window are a half inch less than the whole number that identifies the window.
If a window says it’s 36 inches wide, it will 35.5 inches wide. Manufacturers know you need to take your window frame into account. Custom windows are different as they’re made specifically for your home.
You can use a shim to stabilize the window before using caulk or foam to seal it. After you apply the facing, you’re done. For more info and help on installing windows and doors, check out this guide.
Common Window Sizes And Measurements
Standard window width and window height depend on the window’s style in your new home. Here, we’ll look at the average width for each type of window.
Single Hung Windows
- Price: $170 to $360 per window
- Width: 36 inches to 84 inches
A single hung window are made with a single movable sash and are raised from the end for ventilation. Similar to fixed windows, the top remains stationary. This is one of the cheapest window types and the most common.
When “average window size” is discussed, it’s this the window they’re talking about because it’s a standard window. The easiest way to tell if you have a single hung window is to look below the top sash on the exterior of the window. Double-hung windows have a small space between the sash and the jamb so slides up and down.
Double Hung Windows
- Price: $450 to $600 per window
- Width: 36 inches to 84 inches
Double hung windows have two operating sashes. This allows for ventilation from the top, bottom or both. Since both the top and bottom open, they offer more ventilation and easier cleaning than single hung windows.
The windows are almost as popular as the single hung window style but they’re twice as expensive. Double-hung windows will have a small space between the sash and the jamb allowing it to slide up and down.
Double hung window sizes start at 24 inches and can go up to 48 inches horizontal. The standard bedroom window size is 24 inches x 36 inches.
Awning Windows
- Price: $420 to $760 per window
- Width: 12 inches to 60 inches
Awning windows are one of the few windows that are wider than they are tall. They are hinged on the top and open outward from the bottom. This allows protection from bad weather, which is why you can open them when it’s raining, for example.
An awning window is a popular garage and basement window where the top of the basement walls are above ground.
Bow Windows
- Price: $1,400 to $3,800 per window
- Width: 1 to 6 windows wide
Measuring bow windows is tricky because you don’t know if you should measure the surface length or the window frame length. Bow windows are multiple windows put together to create a round area.
A bow window is different from a bay window, which has three flat surfaces. A bow window is round and has a round base.
Arched Windows
- Price: $325 to $500 per window
- Width: 24 inches to 192 inches.
An arched window is used for aesthetic purposes rather than practical reasons. They make or break a design style, being found in both Victorian homes and Mexican homes. They can be found in almost any size and often have ornate features. They’re often installed in living rooms and are a popular home improvement project.
Unlike an awning window, arched windows don’t have to be round on top but they do need to be curved, even if it’s just a metal bar. Your window measurements will need to be exact and may require flashing materials.
Casement Windows
- Price: $270 to $750 per window
- Width: 12 inches to 36 inches per window
Casement windows are the oldest movable or adjustable windows. The hinges move on the upright side of the vertical sash. They open like French doors, making them look much nicer than standard windows.
Casement windows are still quite popular despite their age. They can be sealed properly and offer a high-end look for an affordable price.
Egress Windows
- Price: $1,000 to $5,000 per window
- Width: At least 20-inches wide
You may wonder why these windows are so expensive but have you ever tried putting a window underground? These windows are placed below ground level with access to the outdoors via a small space.
The reason the windows need to be a certain size is so that the residents can fit through the window in case of an emergency.
Glass Block Windows
- Price: $365 to $785 per window
- Width: 4 to 8 inches per block
Because glass block windows come in panels, you can customize them to any size you want. They come in blocks that are 4 to 8 inches wide and tall, so use this to decide how many blocks you want.
Most glass block windows have at least six panels but if you want a really small window, you can opt for four.
Garden Windows
- Price: $1,000 to $4,000 per window
- Width: 36 inches to 72 inches
Garden windows are designed for plants to absorb sunlight. It’s great for a kitchen window where you also grow herbs or veggies. They have three sides instead of one like a dormer window.
Most garden windows are small and sit over a sink without much of an overhang. But there are exceptions, there just needs to be extra support for those larger windows.
Jalousie Windows
- Price: $175 to $375 per window
- Width: 12 to 36 inches
Jalousie windows are very uncommon for multiple reasons. They are made up of multiple glass slats that open and close like blinds. They aren’t the most secure windows and they don’t offer much protection from the elements.
It isn’t recommended to get jalousie windows unless they are “faux” windows with real windows to back them up.
Bay Windows
- Price: $1,150 to $3,550 per window
- Width: 3 feet 6 inches to 10 feet 6 inches
Bay windows are not the easiest windows to install. They require professional carpentry skills finishing work. You may have to work with wiring and adjust electrical outlets. One thing for sure is that you’ll need to give yourself plenty of time. Bow windows cannot be installed in one day. The window installation also requires power tools.
Transom Windows
- Price: $200 to $575 per window
- Width: copies window size
A transom is a horizontal beam that divides a window’s upper part into additional lights. They are placed above head height so as not to obscure the view. They are also paired with a vertical element called a mullion.
The mullion can be standalone and so can the transom, but they were designed to work together.
Hopper Windows
- Price: $265 to $720 per window
- Width: 14 to 50 inches
A hopper window is simply an awning window that opens from the bottom instead of the top. They make it easy for smoke to escape and are great for letting sunshine and fresh air inside. They look just like an awning window when closed.
Like awning windows, they are generally smaller than other windows because they are primarily for ventilation rather than looks or letting light in.
Clerestory Windows
- Price: $1,400 to $2,500
- Width: Any
We have a huge guide on clerestory windows to help you learn what they are, how much your project may cost, and the different types of clerestory windows. Check it out to find out of clerestory windows are for you.
Clerestory windows are windows that are at least in part higher than the lower part of the roof.
Picture Windows
- Price: $245 to $850 per window
- Width: 28 to 52 inches
This isn’t a window with stained glass, but rather a window framed by other windows. The framed window is very large and usually doesn’t have any panes, giving you the best view possible.
You may hear large pane-less windows referred to as picture windows and this is fine. Not all pictures need a frame, after all.
Circle Windows
- Price: $250 to $750 per window
- Width: 24 to 36 inches
Is a circle window taller than it is wide or wider than it is tall? trick question! A circle window is the same size no matter where you measure its diameter. They are usually medium-sized and often called portholes.
Porthole windows can be found in larger sizes, but are usually in upper levels, like attics, or bathrooms. So there isn’t a need for them to be large.
Skylight Windows
- Price: $900 to $2,130 per window
- Width: 20 inches to 60 inches
Skylight windows are installed in ceilings to provide natural light for your home. They can be therapeutic and light up an entire room without the need for artificial lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What Size Is The Standard Window With For A House?
Now, let’s get right to the point in case this is all that you need to know. The standard house window is 24×36. Although this isn’t what you’ll see in every house, this is definitely the standard house window.
This is the average size for a window and it is the most common. So if you are really wondering what to choose and are at a loss, this will be your safest bet as you can always find this size of window anywhere.
Did The Standard Window Width Use To Be 32 ?
Now you know the standard sizes for windows, you may be wondering if this number has changed over the years. Today, 32-inch windows are still quite common, but there are also a lot of other options.
The thing about this is that prior to the 1900s, most windows were custom-built for homes. So there was no standard. But then in the early 1900s, dozens of sizes were released and advertized in catalogs.
How Do I Determine Window Size?
Determining window size isn’t easy. You need to know the exact measurements of the window, the frame, and the gap that should be between areas. But you also need to know where and how big you want it to be.
There are a lot of window sizes and different types of windows. So learning them all can be overwhelming. Sometimes it’s best to create a vision in your head and then stick with whatever is closest to that.
Does Standard Window Width Matter?
If you wonder if you should even use what everyone else is using, then you’re not alone. Sure, it can be easy to just copy the first window you see and install it into your home. But there is a real reason for knowing sizes.
It starts with when you are building your home. When you place and plan those holes assigned for windows, you need to know which sizing options are available before you begin. Otherwise, you may have to alter them.
What Is Considered A Hurricane Window?
If you live in certain regions, you may wonder, do hurricane windows really work? If you haven’t gotten that far then you are probably wondering what a hurricane window even is, we can get right to that part.
The actual size of a hurricane window isn’t impacted by the type. A hurricane window is an impact window that is less likely to shatter. The way it is made and the thickness determine this and there is usually a sticker stating as much.
Standard Window Width Conclusion
Many home improvement projects involve installing new windows. Choosing the right replacement windows is easy if you don’t want to change your the window styles of your home. However, window replacement can be expensive depending on the types of windows and window sizes you want.
It’s advisable to install fixed windows in your home that are the same size. For a three bedroom house, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $10,000. Standard window sizes begin at 36 inches, but window manufacturers can make whatever you want.
If you need help, but want to do install windows in your new home by yourself, then you’ll need a window size chart. Manufactured windows for a living room, for example, are easier to install and cheaper than custom windows. If you wanted to change the window above your kitchen sink or install bay windows, customized designed would be more expensive.
You want a window design that makes sense. If casement windows won’t work, then don’t force them. Don’t install windows that you’ll regret. Windows are expensive but, but they’re a long-term investment that add resale value to your home.