How to Measure Bow Windows

Bow windows and bay windows are similar architectural window designs with slight differences. A bay window is usually three windows set at angles that jut out from a room. A bow window also juts out from the room, except the windows are usually narrower, creating a more curved effect. To measure a bow window, measure each window separately and then add the width measurements to arrive at an overall window width and height.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladder
• Tape measure
• Pad of paper
• Pencil
• Calculator

1. Measure the inside width of the windows (inside the window trim) first. Measure the inside width by measuring at the top, middle and bottom of each bow window. Start measuring where the glass starts and ends on each side of the window, and use the smallest measurement you obtain. Measure each window to ensure they are all the same and write down the measurements on the pad of paper.

2. Measure the outside width of the windows (outside the window trim) next. Measure this width by also measuring at the top, middle and bottom of each window. Place the tape measure at the outside point of the left side of the window and measure to the outside point on the right side of the window. Use the largest measurement you obtain. Measure each window to ensure they are the same and write down the measurements.

3. Obtain the height measurements in a similar fashion. Measure first the inside height of the windows (inside the window trim) and then measure the outside height of the windows (outside the window trim). Measure the windows in three places (left, center and right). Use the smallest dimension you obtain for the inside measurement. Use the largest dimension you obtain for the outside measurement. Measure each bow window and write down all of the height measurements on the paper.

4. Add the width measurements to obtain the combined bow window width measurement. Add the smallest inside width measurement of each bow window together to get the combined inside width measurement. Add the largest outside width measurement of each bow window together to get the combined outside width measurement. Use the smallest height measurement for the inside height and the largest height measurement for the outside height to obtain the height measurements.

5. Write down each measurement and clearly label them so you remember the measurements you found.

Tips & Warnings

• Round all measurements up to the nearest inch.
• The inside measurements would be necessary for ordering replacement bow windows and this is the reason for using the smallest measurement. The outside measurements would be necessary for ordering window coverings for the bow window and this is the reason for using the largest outside measurements.

References

• Measuring Bow Windows