A new home is an expensive investment. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get much better with major upgrades. You may find yourself in a couple of situations. First, you have control over the design of your new home windows and the construction process, or you will have custom-size windows made.
For many who are building their new home, they may weigh up the costs and benefits of custom-made windows vs. standard double-hung windows.
However, if you are doing any home renovations, you are already governed by the window sizes in place. Custom windows in this scenario can extend to the style and type of window, so long as it fits the opening. In our guide, you can learn more about the standard double hung window size and how they can fit your home.
By the end, you’ll know enough about the difference, the range, and the sizes you need to replace the windows in your next major home improvement project. (Learn How To Clean Unreachable Windows)
How Are Double Hung Windows Measured?
When shopping for replacement windows, you’ll notice most windows come in set ranges of sizes. Besides this, you often use vinyl, which is the same material in your siding and even your front and rear doors.
Windows, including double-hung windows, can be installed in most rough openings in new homes or extensions.
Builders use the rough openings to place windows strategically around the home.
Most window manufacturers make standard windows with whole numbers. However, manufacturers always round up to the nearest full number, even if the window is 1/2 inch smaller.
Replacement windows have a size that is the sum of their width and height.
- The first two values are width, while the second two are height. For example, a 2426 size for replacement windows is 2’4″ wide and 2’6″ tall.
- The actual window size is usually 1/2 inch less than the whole number identification.
- The 1/2 inch difference facilitates window installation by using flashing materials in the rough opening.
- After balancing the window, the installer inserts shims to secure it to the rough opening.
- A double sash is preferable if you need to windows flush with the wall. However, many other types open outward, so they project from the wall.
- A window that will slide up or down to open won’t catch the dirt on the vinyl as a window that opens out.
Window Types
Like double-hung windows, single-hung windows feature two sashes, but only one is operational. Double-hung windows have two movable sashes each. It raises and lowers the window’s top and bottom.
Double-hung windows have various advantages over single-hung windows. They are also easier to clean. You can also add more airflow. The only major drawback of double-hung windows is the added cost.
Standard Window Sizes vs. Custom Windows
For replacement windows, you have two choices: standard window sizes or custom window sizes.
You have a lot more versatility with custom-made windows, yet manufacturers charge for sizes that aren’t commonly available.
As a result, most homeowners stick to standard window sizes because windows are traditionally expensive. As a result, you save money, and it’s also a lot easier to select suitable window treatments. (Read Cost To Replace Windows Guide)
Double Hung Standard Window Sizes
Bedrooms, kitchens, and corridors are frequent for double-hung windows. They look great in almost any room. In fact, in the United States, double-hung windows are the most popular window replacement.
Now that you know how to identify double-hung standard window sizes let’s look at the most popular sizes. The height of double-hung windows ranges from 36 to 72 inches.
What Size Is a 30/30 Window?
Double-hung windows, in which two sashes can slide up and down for added ventilation (single has one window sash that opens). You’ll find these are one of the most common in new construction windows or those installed in any home improvement project.
They begin at 24 inches and extend to 48 inches horizontally. Their heights range from 36 to 72 inches, with 44, 52, 54, and 62 inches being common.
Remember to subtract 1/2 inch (actual size is 1/2 inch smaller) from the actual measurements of the rough opening to get the proper standard double hung window sizes.
Here are other window styles you can find around home.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows have fewer possibilities than double-hung windows, with horizontal sizes of 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 inches. The vertical sizes are 24, 36, 48, and 60 inches.
When an installer says a window is “6040,” they refer to a window that is six feet wide by four feet tall.
Picture Windows
Because picture windows do not open, they can be much taller and wider than regular windows. 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, and 8 feet are all possible widths. Height ranges from 2 feet to 8 feet, with 18, 52, 54, and 62 inches available.
Rough openings are given in whole numbers, and the actual window size is calculated by subtracting 1/2 inch from each rough opening standard sizes. Check out the single-hung window size chart as well.
Bay Windows
Like a picture window installation, a bay window helps to open up your home. However, Bay windows have more distinct architectural features than a normal, double-hung window, and they let in a lot more light.
The window opening size determines the configuration of a bay or bow window. Casement, double-hung, and fixed windows can all create bay and bow windows. When the window is only for appearances, fixed windows are often used. (Learn How To Clean Window Tracks)
A bay window or bow window opens for air circulation is preferable in living areas, kitchens, and bedroom windows.
Bay and bow new windows are created with many sashes and are sized to fit the existing rough opening.
The angle of the windows and the size of the three sashes determine the difference in conventional sizes for bay and bow windows. The middle sash is usually 12 percent of the entire window width, while the two side sashes are 14 percent.
Casement Windows
Casement windows open from the side and are ideal for rooms that require more ventilation, such as the bathroom or kitchen. 1 foot 2 inches to 2 feet 11.5 inches is the standard width.
The standard sizes for the height range from 2 feet and 5.5 inches to 6 feet and 5.5 inches.
Awning Windows
An awning window, like casement windows, provides plenty of ventilation into a house as they hinge at the top and open outward and are some of the most common types.
The dampness won’t disturb you if you open an awning window in light rain because an awning window pushes rain away when the top window is open, and they are almost waterproof.
The normal width and standard heights are 2 inches to 3 feet, 10 inches and 1 foot, 8 inches to 7 feet, 8 inches, respectively. You can find these a great choice in the bathroom, or another room where you need privacy or security.
How Deep Is A Double Hung Window?
Here you can find an overview of the standard sizes of windows.
- Standard Window Width: A double-hung window, which glides up and down and is found on many homes, is the most common window width. The common sizes are 24-inches wide, 28, 32-inches wide, and 40-inches wide.
- Standard Heights: The standard height of the same window is 36 inches, 44 inches, 52 inches, 54 inches, and 62 inches.
The consistent size dimensions for standard window sizes are the same through all standard window styles between manufacturers. (Learn What Is A Double Hung Window)
So, it’s a good idea to start with these standard window size when you measure to install custom windows, or you have an installation into a rough opening, for example.
WINDOW TYPE | Standard Widths | Standard Heights | SIZE NOTATIONS |
---|---|---|---|
Double Hung Window Standard Sizes and Single Hung Window Standard Sizes | 24-in 24-in 24-in 24-in 24-in 24-in 24-in 24-in | 36-in 44-in 48-in 52-in 54-in 60-in 62-in 70-in | 2030 2038 2040 2044 2046 2050 2052 2060 |
28-in 28-in 28-in 28-in 28-in 28-in 28-in 28-in | 36-in 44-in 48-in 52-in 54-in 60-in 62-in 70-in | 2430 2438 2440 2444 2446 2450 2452 2460 |
|
32-in 32-in 32-in 32-in 32-in 32-in 32-in 32-in | 36-in 44-in 48-in 52-in 54-in 60-in 62-in 70-in | 2830 2838 2840 2844 2846 2850 2852 2860 |
|
40-in 40-in 40-in 40-in 40-in 40-in 40-in 40-in | 36-in 44-in 48-in 52-in 54-in 60-in 62-in 70-in | 3430 3438 3440 3444 3446 3450 3452 3460 |
|
44-in 44-in 44-in 44-in 44-in 44-in 44-in 44-in | 36-in 44-in 48-in 52-in 54-in 60-in 62-in 70-in | 3830 3838 3840 3844 3846 3850 3852 3860 |
|
48-in 48-in 48-in 48-in 48-in 48-in 48-in 48-in | 36-in 44-in 48-in 52-in 54-in 60-in 62-in 70-in | 4030 4038 4040 4044 4046 4050 4052 4060 |