Bay windows with lots of angles and glass look absolutely stunning, but unfortunately this is also what makes them difficult to measure. Don’t worry though – in this post we go through the process step-by-step. With our help, you’ll have the dimensions in no time.

Select the Correct Window Type

The first step in measuring your bay window is to work out what shape it is. Bay windows come in lots of shapes and sizes, and are categorised by the number of bends a track would need to follow their shape.

The first step in measuring your bay window is to work out what shape it is. Bay windows come in lots of shapes and sizes, and are categorised by the number of bends a track would need to follow their shape.

A 90-degree square bay is described as a two-bend bay. Other styles could have three, four, five or even more bends. There are also bays with one long continuous curve. We call these bow or semi-circular bays. Bay windows with more than one bend are known as multi-angled – and they’re the subject of this post.

How to Measure a Multi-Angled Bay Window

Before you start, have a look at the general advice on our Measuring and Ordering page. The most important thing is to measure at the height you want the track or pole to go, using a metal tape measure.

With multi-angled bays, there are a few more things to keep in mind:

  • There might be awkward corners and angles to measure, so consider getting someone else to help you. They can hold the tape in position or write down the dimensions. Doing everything on your own can be difficult.
  • Decide the best point to take the measurements.  We recommend taking them flat up against the wall. That way we know exactly where the wall is and can make any projections or alterations to the track to ensure it fits.
  • If you’re fitting a track or pole to the ceiling, you can measure the wall, frame or window sill – just remember to tell us how far forward of these measurements you’d like the track or pole to be.

The principle of measuring a multi-angled bay is the same regardless of the number of bends or the product you’ve chosen.  There are three things to measure:

  • Facet lengths
  • Cross measurements (A to C, B to D)
  • Angles

Facet Lengths

(A to B, B to C)

The facet lengths are the distances between each corner as you move around the bay.

The first measurement should be from the point you’d like the track or pole to start, to the first corner. From here you measure to the next corner, and so on. The last measurement is from the last corner to the place you’d like the pole to finish.

Remember to write the measurements down as you go along.  We recommend printing the page from our site that shows the product and the bay shape – that way you’ll have the boxes to fill in along with a diagram of the bay window.

Entering your bay window dimensions

Cross Measurements

(A to C, B to D)

Taking your bay’s cross measurements gives us the angles and helps us double-check your other dimensions.

The number of measurements you need depends on how many bends your bay window has, but the basic idea is the same.

Your first measurement will be from the place you want the track or pole to start, to the second corner, missing out the first one and going diagonally across the bay. Then measure from the same point to the third corner – if there is one – and so on.

Once there are no more corners, measure the base line, which is the distance from where you want the track to start to where you’d like it to finish.

You then repeat the process from the point where you would like the track to finish, going back across the bay to the starting point.

Angles

Taking the angles isn’t essential, but by asking for three sets of measurements we can guarantee nothing will be made incorrectly – even if you make a mistake. We can work out where the measurements went wrong and correct them without having to contact you.

To measure the angles, download our free protractor and take a look at the video to find out how to use it correctly.

Once you have all your measurements, enter them into the website as described on our Measuring and Ordering page.

If you need any help measuring or placing your order, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01494 535699.