How-To · 6 min read
The DIY Measuring Guide
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a clean install. Here's exactly how to take them.
What you'll need
- A metal tape measure that reads to 1/16 inch
- A notepad or your phone
- A step stool for upper panes, used safely
Measure the visible glass, not the frame
Film is applied to the glass inside the gasket or bead — the rubber or vinyl strip that holds the pane. Measure from where the glass meets that edge on one side to where it meets the edge on the other side.
Three measurements each way
Windows are rarely perfectly square. Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom, and the height at the left, middle, and right. Record the smallest width and smallest height. Always write width first, then height.
Label every pane
Give every window a simple name — "Kitchen sink left", "Office west 2" — and note if a window has multiple panes divided by muntins or a meeting rail. Each separate piece of glass usually needs its own piece of film.
Photos help
A straight-on photo of each window, plus a close-up of the corner where glass meets frame, helps us spot glass type and edge details during compatibility review. We'll let you know how to share them after you submit a request.
When to stop and ask
- Glass you can't reach safely from a short step stool
- Cracked, chipped, or fogged insulated glass
- Curved, arched, or very large panes