Standard Sliding Window Sizes (With Drawings)

Replacing your home’s windows can make a huge difference to your house’s exterior and its value. Sliding windows are a popular style, whether horizontal or vertical, and purchasing standard sliding window sizes is a cost-effective decision. Luckily, you have many standard sizes to choose from when it comes to sliding windows.

If you are considering replacing your windows, get a quote from local contractors in your area here.

Standard horizontal sliding windows come in 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84-inch widths and 23, 26, 48, and 60-inch heights. Vertical sliding windows come in standard sizes featuring widths between 24 and 48 inches and heights between 36 and 72 inches. These sizes represent the rough opening of the window, so the actual window will be ½-inch smaller.

Standard window sizes are the way to go if you want to make a big impact on a smaller budget. Otherwise, you need to order custom-size windows, which can add a lot to your bottom line. Therefore, explore all of your standard window sizes to get the most bang for your buck.

Vertical sliding windows are popularly known as single-hung or double-hung windows. These windows feature two panels of glass. In single-hung, one panel slides up or down to open the window.

If you have a double-hung sliding window, you can slide both panels, choosing to open the window from the top or bottom. Standard single-hung and double-hung window sizes range from 36 to 72 inches tall and between 24 and 48 inches wide.

The smallest standard sliding window you could find would be a double-hung window 24 inches wide by 36 inches high. The smallest standard horizontal sliding window is 36 inches wide by 24 inches tall. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get something smaller with a custom order.

But, keep in mind what you are using the window for. If the room the window is in requires an egress window, you need to consider the minimum allowed width.

An egress window serves as a point of exit in case of emergencies. Typically, a sliding window will serve as an egress window.

According to the International Residential Code (IRC), the minimum size for an egress window is 5’7” square. It needs a minimum window opening height of 24 inches and a minimum width of 20 inches.

Sliding windows are a great option for extra ventilation since you can easily slide them open. You can install a smaller size in a bathroom to help let out excess steam and moisture.

You should also use sliding windows in areas with limited room on the exterior to open a window. For example, if there is something outside that would interfere with opening a casement window. Using a sliding window eliminates this problem.

Horizontal sliders are excellent for spaces with more width than height available. Or where you want to add some light but would prefer to not have too much exposure (like a bathroom). They also work well for a basement since the size is ideal for hard-to-reach areas.

Choosing standard sliding window sizes over custom will save you a lot of time and money. Standard sizes are typically more readily available, so you won’t have to wait for someone to make your custom windows. Plus, they’re a lot less expensive.

Horizontal sliding windows come in 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84-inch widths and 23, 26, 48, and 60-inch heights. You can get vertical sliding windows with widths between 24 and 48 inches and heights between 36 and 72 inches. Remember that the actual size of the window will be ½-inch smaller than the standard size.

If you’re unsure if a standard window will work, discuss options with your contractor first. In some cases, it could cost less to make an opening smaller or larger to accommodate a standard window over ordering custom. But every situation is unique, so make sure to consult with a professional if this applies to your project.