What size does a bedroom window need to be?
David Craig
Updated on April 04, 2026
What size does a bedroom window need to be?
5.7 square feet
For determining egress window sizes and placement, the International Building Code advises that every bedroom must contain at least one egress window. It must be at least 5.7 square feet, 20 inches wide by 24 inches high, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor.
How tall should a window be in a bedroom?
Unless the bedroom has a door that connects to the outdoors, at least one of the windows should be at least 24 inches tall by 20 inches wide. The window opening should be at least 5.7 square feet. The window can’t be installed more than 44 inches above the floor, but not lower than 24 inches to prevent children from climbing onto it.
What are the building code requirements for Windows?
The IRC has certain minimum requirements for windows: A window can’t be installed more than 44 inches above the floor, to allow climbing out; it should also be no lower than 24 inches from the floor, to help prevent kids from falling out. Windows must be easy to open from the inside without keys, tools, or specialized knowledge.
How big of a window do you need for grade?
Exception: 5.0 square feet allowed if located at grade floor or below grade. Minimum 24 inches of net clear height opening. Minimum 20 inches of net clear width opening. Maximum 44 inches to window sill measured from finished floor.
How tall does a window have to be for IRC?
The IRC has certain minimum requirements for windows: 24 inches tall 20 inches wide The window opening must have an area of 5.7 square feet A window can’t be installed more than 44 inches above the floor, to allow climbing out; it should also be no lower than 24 inches from the floor, to help prevent kids from falling out.
What is minimum bedroom window size by code?
A door to the exterior works as an exit point, and so does a window. According to the International Residential Code, a bedroom window can be between 24 and 44 inches from the floor, it needs at least 5.7 square feet for the opening, and it must measure no less than 24 inches high and 20 inches wide (R310.1).
What is the standard size for a window in a bedroom?
Standard window sizes for the bedroom are generally 24 inch by 36 inch, 24 inch by 46 inch, 28 inch by 54 inch, 28 inch by 66 inch, 28 inch by 70 inch, 34 inch by 46 inch or 34 inch by 62 inch and are either single hung or double hung windows.
What size room qualifies as a bedroom?
Among the things the IRC does stipulate, in its definition of a bedroom: Typically, the room must be of a minimum size—70 square feet. The ceiling height from the floor must meet building code. Most municipalities agree that the ceiling height must be at least 7 feet, but that requirement can vary.
Are windows required in basement bedroom?
Building codes require a basement bedroom has a window for fire escape purposes. At a minimum the bottom of the window must be no more than 44 inches from the floor and that the actual opening be a minimum of 20 inches wide and 24 inches high.