Simple Measuring Instructions

Measuring windows is as easy as a piece of cake, literally! But a perfect fit needs a little care.

Here’re quick measurement tips for inside mount and outside mount window treatments.

Before You Start Measuring

Use a steel measuring tape for better accuracy and control.
Keep in mind to take measurements at 3 different places for width and height.
To avoid mixing up values, always use the width by height format (W x H).
Measure the window frame itself – and not the existing blinds, shades, or shutters – for a perfect fit.
Don’t forget to check the depth of your window, as different products have different depth requirements.
Decide if you want to install window treatments inside the window frame or casing (Inside Mount) or above and around the window frame (Outside Mount).
There’re different measurement procedures for inside and outside mounts.

Tools You’ll Need:

Measuring Windows for Inside Mount Window Treatments

Width

Measure width across the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame or casing.
Use the smallest/narrowest measurement as the actual width of your window.
For example, if the width measurements are 25 inches at the top, 25 inches in the middle, and 24 ¾ inches at the bottom, use 24 ¾ inches value for ordering window blinds, shades, or shutters.

Height

Measure the height top down on the left, middle, and right.
Use the largest/tallest measurement as the actual height of your window.
For example, if the height measurements are 36 inches on left, 36 inches in the middle, and 36 ¾ inches on the right, use 36 ¾ measurement while shopping window blinds, shades, or shutters.

Depth

Measure the depth of the window frame from the glass to the front of the opening.
Read product specifications to check if your window’s recess meets minimum depth or mounting surface requirements for an inside mount.

Note:

Don’t make any deductions. We’ll do it for you.
If your window’s recess does not meet the minimum depth or mounting surface requirements for an inside mount, go for an outside mount window treatment.
In the case of roller, solar, exterior window shades, you’ll only need to measure width across the top.
For vertical blinds, you need to use the smallest or narrowest measurement for height.

Width

Measure width across the top, middle, and bottom of the window frame or casing.
Use the largest/tallest measurement as the actual width of your window.
For example, if the width measurements are 25 inches at top, 25 inches in the middle, and 25 ¼ inches at the bottom, use 25 ¼ inches value for ordering window blinds, shades, or shutters
Add 3 to 4” to the width for maximum light coverage.

Height

Measure top down on the left, middle, and right.
Use the largest/tallest measurement as the actual height of your window.
For example, if the height measurements are 36 inches on left, 36 inches in the middle, and 36 ¾ inches on the right, use 36 ¾ measurement while shopping window blinds, shades, or shutters.
Add 2 to 3” above the top of the window frame for the mount.
Add 2 to 3” additional length to the bottom for better light control, insulation, and curb appeal.

Depth

Note

No deductions/additions will be made for outside mount window treatments.
Make sure you have enough flat surface on the window molding or wall above your window for the mounting hardware of the product.
If you have a protruding window sill, start measuring at the window sill without adding additional length to the bottom.