How to Measure Window Hinges

If your window is sticking, dropping, letting in draughts, or not closing as smoothly as it should, the hinges are often one of the first things to check. Before you order window replacements, you need the right measurements. In most cases, that means identifying the hinge orientation, measuring the hinge length, checking the track width, and confirming the stack height.

The good news is that measuring window hinges is usually straightforward once you know what to look for. This guide walks you through it step by step, so you can avoid ordering the wrong part and understand whether you are dealing with a simple hinge issue or a wider window problem.

Why window hinge measurements matter

Window hinges are not one-size-fits-all. Replacement friction stays are commonly matched by type, length, width, and stack height, and manufacturers offer different combinations depending on whether the window is top hung or side hung. Getting even one of those details wrong can leave you with a hinge that does not fit or does not operate properly.

That is why it is always best to measure the existing hinge rather than guess. It is also worth checking whether your current hinge is standard, restricted, or egress/easy-clean, because those versions are made for different uses and opening styles.

What you need before measuring window hinges

You do not need much to get started. A tape measure or ruler is usually enough for the basic measurements. If you need to remove the sash to see the hinge properly, make sure the window is supported and get help if it is a larger opening, as some sashes can be awkward to hold safely while screws are removed.

It also helps to take a few clear photos of the old hinge before ordering anything. That gives you a visual record of the screw positions, hinge shape, and opening type. If you are comparing parts later, those photos can save time.

Top hung and side hung window hinges

Start by identifying how the window opens. If the handle is on the side of the sash, you are usually looking at a side hung hinge. If the handle is at the bottom, it is typically a top hung hinge. This is one of the quickest ways to narrow down the correct replacement type.

This matters because manufacturers list different sizes and options depending on the hinge orientation. For example, standard friction stays are available in both top hung and side hung versions, while some egress and easy-clean hinges are side hung only.

How to measure window hinge length

To measure the hinge length, open the window and look at the hinge track. A common method is to measure from the top corner of the hinge to the end of the long bar. Some guides also describe this as measuring the visible track length once the window is open.

You should try to match the original length as closely as possible. Depending on the hinge type, common product ranges run from around 8 inches upward, but exact availability varies by manufacturer and by whether the hinge is top hung or side hung.

New windows installed by K&S

How to measure window hinge width and stack height

Once you have the length, check the width of the hinge track. Supplier guides commonly refer to slimmer hinges around 15 to 16mm and more common standard widths around 17 to 18mm, with 18mm frequently used on many modern windows.

Next, measure the stack height. This is the height of the hinge from the base bar to the top of the mounting plate. On many uPVC windows, the common stack heights are around 13mm and 17mm, although some manufacturers list 16.5mm rather than rounding it up to 17mm. That is why it is worth matching the manufacturer’s own dimensions as closely as possible instead of relying on rough assumptions.

If stack height is difficult to check with the hinge still fitted, you may need to remove the sash for a clearer measurement. Some suppliers also sell packers to help adapt certain stack-height differences, but the safest approach is still to identify the existing hinge accurately before ordering.

Check for egress, easy-clean, and restrictor hinges

Not every window uses a standard hinge. Some windows are fitted with egress or easy-clean hinges that allow the sash to open wider or move into a cleaning position. Others use restrictor hinges to limit the opening for safety. If your current hinge has one of these features, make sure the replacement does too.

This is also the stage where it makes sense to compare fixing positions and the overall hinge style. Even when the length and stack height look right, the replacement still needs to suit the sash and frame properly.

Common signs you need new window hinges

If your window feels draughty, has started to drop, catches when closing, or no longer seals tightly, worn hinges are a common cause. Measuring the hinge is the first step in working out whether you only need replacement hardware or whether the window itself may be nearing the point where a full upgrade makes more sense.

As a practical rule, if one hinge has failed, it is often sensible to replace both hinges on that opening rather than only changing one side. That helps keep the sash balanced and avoids pairing a worn hinge with a new one.

When a hinge issue is really a window replacement issue

Sometimes the hinge is the only problem. But if the window is older, draughty, inefficient, or no longer secure, replacing the full window can be the better long-term fix. K&S Bespoke Builds installs high-performance Liniar PVCu replacement windows in styles including casement, tilt and turn, flush sash, bay, and bow, with a focus on long-term fit, comfort, and appearance. The company presents itself as a family-run business based in Reading, Berkshire, with 40+ years of hands-on experience and a 10-year workmanship guarantee.

So if measuring your hinges confirms that the issue goes beyond a simple hardware swap, it may be worth speaking to K&S about replacement windows that improve insulation, reduce draughts and noise, and give your home a cleaner, more secure finish. K&S’s window page also highlights Liniar systems and energy-efficient options designed to suit both traditional and modern homes.

Final thoughts on how to measure window hinges

To measure window hinges properly, check the opening type first, then measure the hinge length, track width, and stack height, and finally confirm whether the hinge is standard, restricted, or egress/easy-clean. Take your time, compare like for like, and double-check the details before you order.

And if the measurements lead you to a bigger conclusion, such as a window that is past its best, K&S Bespoke Builds can help you look at the next step with replacement windows that are built for comfort, performance, and a better finish overall.