Window tinting cost per square foot
| Type of film | Installed price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Solar or UV control film (non-reflective) | $5–$14 | Cuts heat and UV; the usual choice for sun-facing glass |
| Reflective or mirrored film | $7–$15 | A mirror finish outside; strong heat control, less view out at night |
| Ceramic film | $7–$12 | No metal in the film; blocks heat without a mirrored look |
| Decorative or frosted film | $6–$15 | Frosted, etched or patterned film for light and privacy |
| Privacy film | $7–$12 | Blocks the view in from outside |
| Security film | $8–$20 | Thick film that holds glass together when it breaks |
Angi puts the national average at $614, typically $317 to $944, and $5 to $20 per square foot overall. HomeGuide puts the average at $6 to $15 per square foot, or about $500 to $1,200 in total. This Old House gives almost the same average as Angi, at $611, but it cites Angi and HomeAdvisor, so we count it as the same view. Forbes Home puts solar film at $5 to $14 per square foot, reflective at $6 to $8 and security film at $5 to $15, in line with the table above. Its per-window average of $350 to $900 is well above what those rates give for one window, and Angi's per-window figures contradict each other, so we do not use a per-window price.
Cost by amount of glass
| Glass area | Solar or UV | Reflective | Ceramic | Decorative | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 sq ft | $100–$280 | $140–$300 | $140–$240 | $120–$300 | $160–$400 |
| 50 sq ft | $250–$700 | $350–$750 | $350–$600 | $300–$750 | $400–$1,000 |
| 100 sq ft | $500–$1,400 | $700–$1,500 | $700–$1,200 | $600–$1,500 | $800–$2,000 |
| 200 sq ft | $1,000–$2,800 | $1,400–$3,000 | $1,400–$2,400 | $1,200–$3,000 | $1,600–$4,000 |
| 400 sq ft | $2,000–$5,600 | $2,800–$6,000 | $2,800–$4,800 | $2,400–$6,000 | $3,200–$8,000 |
Measure the glass, not the frame: width times height in feet for each window, added together. Installers set a minimum charge, so a single small window costs more per square foot than the table shows. Smart (switchable) film is not in the calculator, because the guides disagree on its price: HomeGuide puts a smart glass retrofit at $25 to $55 per square foot, This Old House at $30 to $45 and Angi at $25 to $200.
What changes the price
- Type of film. Solar film is the cheapest, and security film costs the most.
- Glass area. The total is the per-square-foot price times the area, subject to the minimum charge.
- Height and size. Tall ceilings and larger-than-average windows take more time.
- Shape. Arched and angled windows mean more cutting and waste.
- Old film. Film already on the glass has to come off first. Neither guide gives a separate price.
- Where you live. The calculator adjusts the labor share for your state's wages.
Extras to expect
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Tall ceilings or oversized windows | $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft | Glass that needs a lift or ladder work |
Film is one way to cut heat; see also window replacement cost, patio door replacement cost and skylight installation cost. For the rest of the house, see insulation cost and AC unit cost. Related jobs: front door replacement cost and storm door installation cost.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is the price per square foot, and is there a minimum charge?
- Which film do you recommend for each side of the house, and what does it block?
- Does the warranty cover peeling, bubbling and fading, and will it void my window warranty?
- Do you remove any old film, and is that in the price?
- How long before the film has fully cured?
Methodology and sources
We price each type of film from published guides, take the middle of their lows, midpoints and highs, and adjust the labor share for your state's wages. Forbes Home is used as an independent cross-check. Read how we estimate costs.
- HomeGuide: home window tinting cost — price per square foot by film, surcharges
- Angi: house window tinting cost — national average, price per square foot by film, labor
- This Old House: tinting home windows cost — read as a cross-check; it cites Angi and HomeAdvisor
- Forbes Home: window tinting cost — used as an independent cross-check
- BLS OEWS May 2025, State (SOC 47-2031, Carpenters) — state labor index
What each source reports
Our estimate does not rely on any single page. This table lists each page we used and the figures it reports, so you can see where the ranges come from.
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| Angi |
|
| HomeGuide |
|
Common questions about window tinting costs
How much does window tinting cost?
A typical job (100 sq ft, solar film) comes to about $800 nationally, within a range of $500 to $1,400. Use the calculator above to adjust for your state, the options you choose and any extras.
How much does it cost to tint all the windows in a house?
About $500–$1,400 for 100 sq ft of glass with solar film. HomeGuide puts a whole home at about $500 to $1,200 and Angi at an average of $614, typically $317 to $944.
What is the window tinting cost per square foot?
About $5–$14 for solar or UV film, $7–$15 for reflective film, $6–$15 for decorative or frosted film and $8–$20 for security film, installed.
How much does ceramic window film cost?
About $7–$12 per sq ft installed. Only HomeGuide prices ceramic film; Angi discusses it but gives no price.
How much does privacy film cost?
About $7–$12 per sq ft installed, according to Angi. A 20 sq ft window costs about $140–$240.
How much does security window film cost?
About $8–$20 per sq ft installed. A 50 sq ft set of windows costs about $400–$1,000.
Why is tinting a few windows more expensive per square foot?
Installers set a minimum charge, so a small job costs more per sq ft than a large one. HomeGuide says tall ceilings or oversized windows add $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft or more.
Is window film cheaper than replacing windows?
Usually, because film is priced at about $5 to $20 per sq ft while a new window is priced per window; see our window replacement page. Film does not improve the glass itself.
How much of the cost is labor?
Angi puts labor at $5 to $10 per sq ft against $7 to $15 per sq ft installed, which is about two thirds, so the calculator uses 65%.
How long does window film last?
HomeGuide puts the warranty at 5 to 10 years or as long as you own your home, and Angi at 5 to 15 years depending on the film.
Where do these prices come from?
They come from 2 published cost pages from 2 publishers, last checked Oct 10, 2026. We report what those pages say and do not invent figures; the table above shows each source.
How does my state change the estimate?
The labor part of the price is scaled by the average wage for the relevant trade in your state, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Materials and equipment are not adjusted.
Why might a contractor's quote differ from this estimate?
A quote reflects your specific scope, access, local demand and what the contractor includes. Ask for line items rather than a single total so you can compare bids on the same basis.
All 2 sources behind these prices
Every figure in the calculator comes from one or more of these pages, with the number each one supports in the link text.