What Is The Standard Window Height?

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Windows come in various styles, but many manufacturers provide windows with standard dimensions to make choosing windows easier on your wallet. Of course, you can always opt for custom-sized windows, but you’ll pay a pretty penny. Therefore, first look at window options that will fit into your existing standard rough openings or window frames.

Standard window heights vary based on the style of the window. For example, single and double-hung windows typically come in standard heights of 36, 44, 52, 54, 62, and 72 inches. Larger picture windows can range from two to 8 feet tall, while sliding windows are 24, 36, 48, or 60 inches tall.

These are some of the most common window styles, but there are also bay windows, awning-style, and casement windows. If you’re planning on installing or replacing your windows, it’s best to know all of your options. So, it’s time to get better acquainted with various windows and the available standard window heights.

The Standard Window Height Of Different Windows

Not every window is the same, so you can expect a variety of sizes. If you’re working with existing rough openings, you’ll likely look for windows that will fit the existing space. In some cases, this can limit your choices of window styles unless you plan to adjust the opening and pay more.

Keep in mind, a window’s actual measurements are typically a ½ inch less than stated. This ensures they can easily fit into the standard rough opening after installing flashing and other materials. So, a 36” x 36” window is actually 35 ½” x 35 ½”, a 36” x 48” window is really 35 ½” x 47 ½”, and so on.

Here’s a closer look at the standard sizes of the most popular window styles so that you can determine your available options.

How To Select The Right Size Windows

Remember, the actual size of a window will be about ½ inch less for both the width and height. So, if you have a rough opening of 3 x 3 feet, you would need a 3 x 3-foot window. However, the actual window would measure 35 ½” x 35 ½”.

The window size translates to a certain model number used by many window manufacturers. In this example, a 3 x 3-foot window would be called a 3030. This four-digit number simply represents the window’s width and height.

So, a window that is 28 inches wide and 36 inches tall would be a 2430 (2 feet, 4 inches by 3 feet). If the particular windows you’re looking at don’t have these types of numbers, provide the manufacturer with your measurements.

Or you can also tell them the model number as mentioned above. Based on this information, they can help you find a comparable size among their unique model numbers.

What If You’re Measuring For Replacement Windows?

Take care when taking measurements for replacement windows. You don’t want to end up getting a window that is about a ½” off from the necessary size. For this reason, you should take several width and height measurements to determine the smallest dimensions.

So, first, measure the width of your window, frame to frame across the top, middle, and bottom. Then, measure the height of your window, from frame to frame, at a minimum of two pints. If you have a very wide window, take height measurements at three points.

Make a note of all your measurements; you might be surprised to find a .25 to .5 inch variance. Select the smallest width and height measurements to determine your new window size.

If necessary, you can add shims to fit the window. It’s much easier than trying to enlarge an opening for a window that’s .25 too big.

But, don’t be fooled. Although it might sound simple, measuring for windows, whether brand new or replacement, can be challenging. If you are uncertain, it’s best to hire a professional installer to take the measurements for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far should a window be from the floor?

This measurement can vary based on many factors, including the size of the window, size of the room, ceiling height, and window style. Typically, the top of the window frame is equal to the door frames in the room. So, you could determine your floor-to-sill height from there based on your window size.

For example, if you have a standard 7-foot door frame, the top of the window will be 7 feet from the floor. If you have a three-foot-tall window, then the sill would be roughly four feet from the floor.

However, if you have a four-foot window, the sill would be about three feet from the floor. If you have a privacy window that is two feet tall, then the sill would be five feet from the floor. 

How much do replacement windows cost to install?

The average price for a replacement window, including the window and labor, can be anywhere from $200 to over $2,000. This is because there are a considerable number of factors that influence the price.

You have to think about the window size, material, style, special features, and any unique installation challenges. But, the average cost to replace a window is about $850.

Vinyl windows tend to be the more affordable, with wooden and fiberglass windows having some of the highest costs.

Bay windows will usually be on the more expensive side of the spectrum, with single-hung and fixed windows at the lower end. Casement, sliding, and double-hung windows tend to be just slightly more than single-hung and fixed windows.