How to Measure a Bedroom Window to Meet Egress

An egress window is one that meets several building code criteria so it may be used as an emergency exit. When building a new home or making renovations to your existing home, you’ll find that most permits require you to install at least one egress window in each bedroom. Ask your local codes administration office about egress requirements for your area.

Measuring tape
Calculator

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the width of the window opening in inches. To be considered an egress window, the opening must meet the minimum width requirement, which is usually 20 inches.
- 2
  Measure the height of the window opening when fully opened in inches. To be an egress window, it must also meet the minimum height clearance, which is usually 24 inches.
- 3
  Multiply these two numbers together and divide by 144 to determine the overall window clearance in square feet. An egress window must meet the minimum net clearance, often 5.7 square feet, to be considered egress. This is the same as 821 square inches.
- 4
  Measure from the top of the floor to the window opening. An egress window must also meet a floor-to-window height requirement, which is usually no more than 44 inches.

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