Many online and local stores require you to provide the window screen frame size before placing an order. With several width and height options, selecting the right size can be confusing.
How can you select a screen fabric size that fits the entire window?
We've prepared a comprehensive window screen sizes chart to make this process much easier.
Is There a Standard Window Screen Size?
There's no one standard size for windows, as they come in different styles and configurations. However, screen manufacturers have come across such window designs so often that they can provide a range of sizes homeowners or contractors commonly order.
Most screen manufacturers now offer these popular sizes, ranging from 24" by 36" for smaller windows and up to 48" by 72" for larger ones.
If your window doesn't fit these common sizes, you can order custom size screens to ensure a perfect fit.
Types of Window Screens
Based on their features, window screens are divided into the following categories:
Standard Screens
These are the basic screen frames that are widely available at both local and online screen repair stores. They're designed to look good on box-style or rectangular windows, which are the most common window shapes in homes and buildings.
What type of rectangular windows can you use standard screens on?
- Single-hung windows
- Double-hung windows
- Sliding windows
Each type of standard window screen is available in the following common size ranges:
Fiberglass Screen:
Width: 6" - 60"
Height: 6" - 96"
Aluminum Screen:
Width: 6" - 53"
Height: 6" - 74"
Ultravue Window Screen:
Width: 6" - 60"
Height: 6" - 96"
Bettervue Window Screen:
Width: 6" - 60"
Height: 6" - 96"
No See Um Window Screen:
Width: 6" - 60"
Height: 6" - 96"
Solar Insect Screen:
Width: 6" - 60"
Height: 6" - 96"
Suntex Solar Screen:
Width: 6" - 72"
Height: 6" - 96"
Pet-Resistant Screen:
Width: 6" - 60"
Height: 6" - 96"
These dimensions cover a broad range of common window sizes.
Sliding Screens
Unlike standard screens, sliding screens don't stay fixed to the window frame. They're designed to glide over the tracks of sliding windows, making them easy to use.
The types of windows you can use sliding screens on include:
- Horizontal sliding windows
- Sliding glass doors
Sliding glass doors act as entry points to porches, patios, and other outdoor spaces. To cover their large openings, you can use sliding screens. These can accommodate sliding glass doors of the following dimensions:
Horizontal sliding windows:
Sliding screens are best for horizontal sliding windows, where the screen moves horizontally along tracks. Common sizes for these screens are:
Width: 10" - 50"
Height: 10" - 65"
Sliding glass doors:
Sliding glass doors act as entry points to porches, patios, and other outdoor spaces. To cover their large openings, you can use sliding screens. These can accommodate sliding glass doors of the following dimensions:
Width: 23" - 36"
Height: 70" - 85"
Retractable Screens
Retractable screens offer you the flexibility to roll them open or close. When you need unobstructed views from your window, simply roll them into a small housing unit.
The smooth extending and folding mechanism of retractable screens makes them suitable for many types of windows including:
- Sliding windows or glass doors
- Double-hung windows
- Casement windows
- French doors
- Awning windows
You can find retractable screens in the following dimensions at local and online stores:
Width: 16"-76"
Height: 12"-90"
Custom Screens
If the dimensions above don't match your window sizing, don't worry. Many stores offer a range of custom window screens that can fit windows of various styles and sizes. These include:
- Circle Window Screens
- Half Circle Arch Window Screens
- Quarter Circle Arch Window Screens
Custom-made window screens can fit on windows with widths ranging from 26" to 40".
How do I Measure the Screen Size For My Window?
To find out the screen size you'll need for your windows, follow these steps:
Measuring with an Existing Screen
Identify the Dimensions: Identify the width side and the height side of the window screen frame.
- Measure the Width: Choose either the left or right edge of the window screen and measure across to the other edge.
- Measure the Height: Measure from the bottom edge of the window screen to the top edge.
Remember to round off the width and height measurements to the nearest 1/16th of an inch.
Measuring for a Window Without Screen
For a window without a screen, the measuring technique depends on the type of window.
Single Hung Windows
Measure the Height of the Window Screen
- Find the Top Track: Look for the U-shaped channel under the window’s meeting rail where the two parts come together. This is where the screen will slide in.
- Locate the Bottom Lip: Identify the lip directly below the top track where the bottom of the screen will sit.
- Insert the Tape Measure: Place the tape measure into the top track as far as it will go. Hold it straight down.
- Measure the Height: Measure from the top of the track to about 1/16" to 1/8" above the bottom lip. Round this measurement to the nearest 1/16". Make sure the tape measure is fully in the track for an accurate height measurement.
Measure the Width of the Window Screen
- Place the Tape Measure: Start at the left side of the window where the screen will go. Hold the tape measure level.
- Measure Across: Stretch the tape measure to the right side of the window. Subtract 1/16" from this measurement to ensure the screen will fit comfortably.
- Record the Width: Write down the width to the nearest 1/16". This adjustment helps the screen fit better and makes it easier to install and remove.
Double-Hung Windows
Locate the Top Track
Look for a U-shaped channel at the top of the window where the screen will slide in.
Find the Side Tracks
Check the sides of the window for flat areas that create a continuous track running from the top down to the bottom. These tracks should align with the top track and extend along the sides of the window.
Identify the Bottom Lip
Locate the lip at the bottom of the window, directly below the top track. This lip helps hold the bottom of the screen in place.
Determine the Lip Type
If your window has both an inside and outside lip, use the outside lip for measuring solar screens or the inside lip for insect screens.
Measure the Height
Insert the tape measure into the top track. Extend it downward until it's about 1/16" to 1/8" above the bottom lip. This gives you the height measurement of the screen.
Measure the Width
Place the tape measure on one side of the window and extend it to the other side. Subtract 1/16" from this measurement to ensure the screen fits properly. This gives you the width measurement of the screen.
Sliding Windows
Locate the U-Shaped Channel
Find the U-shaped channel along the edge of the window. This channel is usually shallower than others and acts as the lip where the screen will fit. This U-shaped channel will help guide the screen into place.
Measure the Height
Insert the tape measure into the U-shaped channel at the top of the window. Extend the tape measure downward to measure the height of the window. Measure to about 1/16" above the bottom of the channel to ensure a proper fit. Round the measurement to the nearest 1/16" to ensure accuracy.
Measure the Width
Place the tape measure against the left side of the window frame. Extend the tape measure to the right side of the window frame. Subtract 1/16" from this measurement to avoid a tight fit and make the screen easy to install and remove. Round the measurement to the nearest 1/16" for accuracy.
Window Without Tracks
Measuring the Width
- Place the end of the tape measure: Against the left side of the window casement.
- Extend the tape measure: Straight across to the right side of the window casement.
- Ensure accuracy: Ensure the tape measure is firmly pressed against both sides of the casement to get an accurate measurement. Round off the measurement to the nearest 1/16th of an inch to ensure a precise fit.
Measuring the Height
- Place the end of the tape measure: At the top of the window casement.
- Extend the tape measure: Straight down to the bottom of the window casement. Keep the tape measure as straight as possible for an accurate measurement.
- Record the height: This measurement represents the window screen 'Height'. Round off the measurement to the nearest 1/16th of an inch to ensure a precise fit.
Adjustments for Hardware
Measurements may need the following adjustments based on the hardware used on the window screen:
- For Direct Screws: Ensure measurements allow enough overlap to screw into the window casement.
- For EZ Brick Clips: Subtract about 1 inch from the width measurement.
- For Casement Clips: Mark where clips will be installed and ensure the tape measure is inside these markings when measuring.
Order Window Screen Frames with Confidence
Once you know how to measure and the type of windows you have in your home, it becomes easy to choose and order the correct size window screen.
Single Hung Windows
Measure the Height of the Window Screen
- Find the Top Track: Look for the U-shaped channel under the window’s meeting rail where the two parts come together. This is where the screen will slide in.
- Locate the Bottom Lip: Identify the lip directly below the top track where the bottom of the screen will sit.
- Insert the Tape Measure: Place the tape measure into the top track as far as it will go. Hold it straight down.
- Measure the Height: Measure from the top of the track to about 1/16" to 1/8" above the bottom lip. Round this measurement to the nearest 1/16". Make sure the tape measure is fully in the track for an accurate height measurement.
Measure the Width of the Window Screen
- Place the Tape Measure: Start at the left side of the window where the screen will go. Hold the tape measure level.
- Measure Across: Stretch the tape measure to the right side of the window. Subtract 1/16" from this measurement to ensure the screen will fit comfortably.
- Record the Width: Write down the width to the nearest 1/16". This adjustment helps the screen fit better and makes it easier to install and remove.
Double-Hung Windows
Locate the Top Track
Look for a U-shaped channel at the top of the window where the screen will slide in.
Find the Side Tracks
Check the sides of the window for flat areas that create a continuous track running from the top down to the bottom. These tracks should align with the top track and extend along the sides of the window.
Identify the Bottom Lip
Locate the lip at the bottom of the window, directly below the top track. This lip helps hold the bottom of the screen in place.
Determine the Lip Type
If your window has both an inside and outside lip, use the outside lip for measuring solar screens or the inside lip for insect screens.
Measure the Height
Insert the tape measure into the top track. Extend it downward until it's about 1/16" to 1/8" above the bottom lip. This gives you the height measurement of the screen.
Measure the Width
Place the tape measure on one side of the window and extend it to the other side. Subtract 1/16" from this measurement to ensure the screen fits properly. This gives you the width measurement of the screen.
Sliding Windows
Locate the U-Shaped Channel
Find the U-shaped channel along the edge of the window. This channel is usually shallower than others and acts as the lip where the screen will fit. This U-shaped channel will help guide the screen into place.
Measure the Height
Insert the tape measure into the U-shaped channel at the top of the window. Extend the tape measure downward to measure the height of the window. Measure to about 1/16" above the bottom of the channel to ensure a proper fit. Round the measurement to the nearest 1/16" to ensure accuracy.
Measure the Width
Place the tape measure against the left side of the window frame. Extend the tape measure to the right side of the window frame. Subtract 1/16" from this measurement to avoid a tight fit and make the screen easy to install and remove. Round the measurement to the nearest 1/16" for accuracy.
Window Without Tracks
Measuring the Width
- Place the end of the tape measure: Against the left side of the window casement.
- Extend the tape measure: Straight across to the right side of the window casement.
- Ensure accuracy: Ensure the tape measure is firmly pressed against both sides of the casement to get an accurate measurement. Round off the measurement to the nearest 1/16th of an inch to ensure a precise fit.
Measuring the Height
- Place the end of the tape measure: At the top of the window casement.
- Extend the tape measure: Straight down to the bottom of the window casement. Keep the tape measure as straight as possible for an accurate measurement.
- Record the height: This measurement represents the window screen 'Height'. Round off the measurement to the nearest 1/16th of an inch to ensure a precise fit.
Adjustments for Hardware
Measurements may need the following adjustments based on the hardware used on the window screen:
- For Direct Screws: Ensure measurements allow enough overlap to screw into the window casement.
- For EZ Brick Clips: Subtract about 1 inch from the width measurement.
- For Casement Clips: Mark where clips will be installed and ensure the tape measure is inside these markings when measuring.
Order Window Screen Frames with Confidence
Once you know how to measure and the type of windows you have in your home, it becomes easy to choose and order the correct size window screen.