1. What is Window To Wall Ratio?

Window To Wall Ratio (WWR) is a measurement that calculates the percentage of window area to wall area in a building facade. It's an important metric in architectural design and energy efficiency analysis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the WWR formula:

Where:

• Window Area — Total area of windows in square feet
• Wall Area — Total area of the wall in square feet

Explanation: The ratio expresses what percentage of the wall surface is occupied by windows, which affects both natural lighting and thermal performance.

3. Importance of WWR Calculation

Details: WWR is crucial for building energy performance, daylighting analysis, thermal comfort, and compliance with building codes and energy standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter window area and wall area in square feet. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the percentage ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical WWR range for buildings?
A: Typical WWR ranges from 20% to 60%, depending on building type, climate zone, and design objectives.

Q2: How does WWR affect energy consumption?
A: Higher WWR increases solar heat gain in winter but may cause overheating in summer. It affects both heating and cooling loads.

Q3: Are there building code requirements for WWR?
A: Many energy codes have maximum WWR limits or require compensatory measures for high window-to-wall ratios.

Q4: Should window frames be included in the calculation?
A: Typically, WWR calculations use the rough opening size or the visible glass area, depending on the specific standard being applied.

Q5: How does WWR relate to daylighting?
A: Higher WWR generally provides more natural light, but optimal daylighting requires careful window placement and design beyond just the ratio.