Decide the mounting plane

An inside mount sits within the jamb or recess and needs enough clear depth. An outside mount covers the opening from the wall or trim. Record the exact surface where the frame or panel will land rather than mixing glass, sash, trim, and rough-opening dimensions.

Measure width and height more than once

Measure width near the top, middle, and bottom. Measure height at the left, center, and right. Record every value exactly, including fractions, and note the smallest and largest measurements. Do not average a tapered opening without an approved fitting rule.

Document depth and obstructions

Measure usable jamb depth at the shallowest point. Photograph handles, locks, cranks, screens, tilt-in sashes, alarm contacts, mullions, protruding sills, trim returns, furniture, faucets, and anything that can block louvers or panels.

Check square and identify each opening

Compare diagonals and use a level where possible. Assign a stable room and opening ID, then pair it with photos taken square-on and from both corners. The ID should remain with the quote, drawing, packaging, and installation notes.

Save one record per opening

Shutter measurement worksheet

Download the opening worksheet

Use the CSV in a spreadsheet or print the fields below. Record inches consistently and preserve fractions. Measured openings are planning inputs; approved production dimensions and deductions belong in separate fields.

Identify
Project, room or elevation, opening ID, date, product model and photograph filenames.
Measure
Top, middle and bottom widths; left, center and right heights; both diagonals; usable depth; trim and sill projection.
Describe the mount
Inside or outside mount, frame landing surface, handle projection, louver clearance and panel swing.
Review before ordering
Model, panel or slat layout, finish, control or hardware, final manufacturing size, quantity and delivery access.

Measure around window handles with the sash closed and open. A frame that fits the recess can still obstruct a crank or prevent the window from tilting for cleaning.

Match the guide to the product

This is a general plantation-shutter planning guide. Our current product catalog contains exterior louvers; it does not currently list an interior plantation-shutter system.

View the exterior-louver configurations and mounting options. Exterior shading should not be treated as hurricane protection without approval for the exact system and installation.

Turn the guide into a complete opening schedule.

Keep every finished width and height, mounting surface, jamb depth, panel arrangement, material, finish, hardware part, photo, and delivery note connected to the same opening ID.

Start the configuration

Questions about this topic

Should I round shutter measurements?

No. Record the actual measurements and fractions. The manufacturer or approved fitting rule—not the person measuring—should decide deductions and final production size.