What Are the Standard Window Sizes?
Understanding Window Sizes
Windows come in a range of styles, shapes and sizes. As such, buying a new window can sometimes be a minefield. Can you buy a standard sized, off-the-shelf window? Or do you need a bespoke, custom-made one? This blog will explore the different sized windows available, together with how to choose the best windows for your home.
Is There a Standard Window Size?
The short answer is no, there is not one universal standard window size. The size of your window will depend, mostly, on the age and style of your home.
Why Standard Window Sizes Don’t Always Apply
A standard sized window would not be possible due to its inability to fit all styles, shape, and age of home. For example, houses built in the 60’s and 70’s usually have large, wide windows, whilst modern homes have smaller windows to increase energy efficiency. Apartments and flats may feature floor to ceiling windows to make the most of a view, and old, historic buildings can have either very small windows to keep the cold out and the warm in or extremely large windows to demonstrate the wealth of the original owner.
As such, window sizes vary extensively from one home to another.
Standard uPVC Window Sizes
Whilst the size of most windows will be dictated by the age and design of a home, many manufacturers do offer a range of standard sized uPVC windows.
Standard uPVC Window Heights and Widths
Window heights and widths will depend on individual manufacturers, but typically size ranges will include:
Average window heights
- 450mm
- 600mm
- 1,050mm
- 1,200mm
- 1,350mm
- 1,500mm
Average window widths
- 488mm
- 630mm
- 915mm
- 1,200mm
- 1,770mm
Do Window Sizes Vary by Material?
There are three main materials a window frame can be made from: uPVC, timber, and aluminium. But do these materials have an impact on the size of a window?
Popular Window Types and Their Sizes
Aluminium
Aluminium windows are becoming more popular due to advances in manufacturing processes, which has reduced their price and lead times. They offer incredible thermal efficiency and due to a strong profile, allow you to have more glass than frame. Whilst most aluminium windows are larger than average, the below are the most popular sizes:
Minimum height 300mm - Maximum height 1,500mm
Minimum width 350mm - Maximum width 1,400mm
Timber
Timber window frames are still a popular choice for many homeowners. However, it’s important to note that timber windows will require high levels of maintenance to prevent them from warping, peeling, and splintering. These frames usually come in the same standard sizes are uPVC windows, which are:
Average timber window heights
- 450mm
- 600mm
- 1,050mm
- 1,200mm
- 1,350mm
- 1,500mm
Average timber window widths
- 488mm
- 630mm
- 915mm
- 1,200mm
- 1,770mm
Bay and Bow Windows: Custom Sizes for Unique Spaces
The size of bay and bow windows will vary widely depending on the design and age of a home and as such standard sized windows will not be the best fit. The best approach for these styles is to opt for a custom design. This will ensure your window fits perfectly.
How to Measure Your Window Size
Accurate measurements are key to ensuring your windows fit correctly.
Step-by-Step Window Sizing Guide
- Measure the width of your window – measure the width of your window with a tape measure. Always measure at three points: at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom. Use the narrowest measurement to ensure a proper fit.
- Measure the height of your window – repeat step one by measuring the height of your window, again at three points.
- Check the depth of the frame – it is important to measure the depth of your frame as well as its height and width. This will determine the depth of frame needed to hold the glass and ensure proper insulation.
- Adjustments – it is important to leave a small gap, usually around 5mm, for adjustments to be made during the installation process. Remember to add this to your measurements.
If you’re unsure about how to measure your windows, or just to ensure you have your measurements correct, ask a professional for help and advice.
Window Sizing Checklist
- Accurate measurements are key – always measure twice! It’s extremely important to get your measurements correct to ensure your windows fit correctly.
- Choose the best material for your home – researching the pros and cons of each material will help you choose the right one – whether that’s uPVC, timber, or aluminium – for your home
- Ensure the best fit – standard sized frames will not fit all windows. Choosing a bespoke, custom window frame, if a standard size is not available, will ensure the perfect fit.
Why Choose Custom Sizes for Your Windows?
Standard sized windows can be a convenient choice, but a custom-made window is tailored perfectly to the size and shape of your home’s windows. Not only will a bespokewindow improve the aesthetics of your home, but it will also improve its performance in terms of energy efficiency.
For further information on both standard sized and custom-made windows, talk to our expert, friendly team today 0800 22 77 77 for an informal chat about your requirements.
