How Do You Measure Windows for Blinds in 3 Steps

Wanda A. Thomas

measuring windows for blinds

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First, you’ll pick between inside mount (flush in your frame) or outside mount (on the wall around it). Then measure at three points—left, center, right for height; top, center, bottom for width—and use the longest height and narrowest width for inside mounts. Finally, jot down those numbers, snap a photo, and you’re ready to order. There are additional details that will help make this process smoother.

Step 1: Decide Between Inside or Outside Mount Blinds

Before you even think about measuring, you’ve got to make a choice: are your blinds going inside or outside the window frame?

Here’s the deal: an inside mount sits right within your window frame, giving you a clean, flush look—but it requires at least ¾ inch of window depth to work. Want a sleek appearance? You’ll need a bit over 2 inches. An outside mount, meanwhile, doesn’t care about depth requirements whatsoever. It mounts on the wall around your frame, offering way more flexibility. Plus, you can extend it 2–3 inches beyond the frame on both sides for maximum coverage.

Your choice affects everything: how you’ll install them and how much of that window frame stays visible. Pick what works best for your space.

Step 2: Measure Windows for Inside or Outside Mount Blinds

Now that you’ve decided where your blinds are going, it’s time to break out the measuring tape—and this part requires precision. For inside mount measurements, use three points (left, center, right) and pick the largest measurement for length, then measure width at three spots (top, center, bottom) and use the smallest number, rounding to the nearest eighth inch. Outside mount is more straightforward—no depth requirements here—so focus on extending the blinds two to three inches beyond your window frame on both sides for proper coverage. The key difference? Inside mount needs that snug fit, while outside mount gives you flexibility and a clean look that frames your windows well.

Step 3: Document Your Measurements and Order Your Blinds

Once you’ve got those three measurements written down—and you’ll need them in about five minutes—it’s time to organize everything and actually place your order. I like to snap a photo of my notes for reference. When you’re ready to order blinds, double-check which measurement you’re using: for an inside mount, use that longest height and narrowest width you recorded. Verify your mount type one more time—this matters—because ordering the wrong size is frustrating. Most retailers make this simple; you’ll just input your measurement, select inside mount, and you’re done. You’ll have blinds that fit properly.

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