The Blind Size Calculator is a practical tool designed to help you determine the correct size of blinds for your windows. Accurate measurement is crucial when installing blinds to ensure they fit properly and achieve the desired look. This calculator simplifies the process by guiding you through the necessary measurements, whether you're opting for an inside or outside mount. By using the Blind Size Calculator, you can avoid common pitfalls like ordering blinds that are too small or too large, leading to a perfect fit and a polished appearance.
Formula of Blind Size Calculator
1. Determine the Mount Type: Inside or Outside
Before you begin measuring, decide whether you want an inside or outside mount for your blinds.
- Inside Mount: Blinds hang inside the window frame, providing a clean, built-in look. Measurements should ensure a snug fit within the window recess.
- Outside Mount: Blinds hang outside the window frame, which is ideal for doors or if you want to make a window appear larger.
2. Measure for Inside Mount
- Width: Measure the width inside the window frame in three places—top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement to ensure the blinds fit snugly.
- Height: Measure the height inside the window frame from top to bottom at three different points. Use the longest measurement for the best fit.
- Depth: Ensure there is enough depth to install the mounting brackets. Typically, a minimum of 2 inches is required.
3. Measure for Outside Mount
- Width: Measure the width of the window and add extra for the desired overlap (usually 3-4 inches on each side). This extra width ensures better light control and privacy.
- Height: Measure the height from where you plan to hang the blinds to where you want them to end. Adding height above and below the window can provide more coverage and a more dramatic look.
General Terms and Conversions
Below is a table that provides pre-calculated blind sizes for various standard window dimensions. This table serves as a quick reference for those who want to estimate blind sizes without manual calculation.
| Window Width (inches) | Window Height (inches) | Inside Mount Width (inches) | Inside Mount Height (inches) | Outside Mount Width (inches) | Outside Mount Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 36 | 23.5 | 36.5 | 28 | 40 |
| 30 | 48 | 29.5 | 48.5 | 34 | 52 |
| 36 | 60 | 35.5 | 60.5 | 40 | 64 |
| 48 | 72 | 47.5 | 72.5 | 52 | 76 |
| 60 | 84 | 59.5 | 84.5 | 64 | 88 |
This table provides standard sizes to help you quickly identify the right blind size for your window, depending on whether you choose an inside or outside mount.
Example of Blind Size Calculator
Let’s walk through an example to demonstrate how to use the Blind Size Calculator.
Suppose you want to install blinds for a window with the following dimensions:
- Window Width: 36 inches
- Window Height: 60 inches
For an Inside Mount:
- Width: Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom. Assume the narrowest width is 35.75 inches.
- Height: Measure the height at three points and assume the longest height is 60.25 inches.
For an inside mount, you would use the narrowest width (35.75 inches) and the longest height (60.25 inches) to ensure the blinds fit perfectly inside the window frame.
Outside Mount:
- Width: Add 3 inches on each side to the window width for overlap, totaling 42 inches.
- Height: Add 4 inches to the window height for additional coverage, totaling 64 inches.
For an outside mount, you would order blinds with a width of 42 inches and a height of 64 inches to ensure full coverage and an aesthetically pleasing look.
Most Common FAQs
An inside mount places the blinds within the window frame, giving a clean and streamlined look. An outside mount installs the blinds outside the frame, providing better light control and the ability to make the window appear larger.
Typically, you should add 3 to 4 inches on each side of the window width to ensure proper coverage and improved light control.
While the Blind Size Calculator is optimized for blinds, it can also be useful for other window treatments like shades or shutters, as long as you adjust the measurements accordingly.