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Determine the authentic size of your TV screen by measuring diagonally
Are you seeking to ascertain the precise dimensions of your TV screen? Measuring a TV screen, regardless of whether it's a modern flat screen or a traditional CRT, is a straightforward task that only requires a few seconds of your time. Understanding the size of a TV screen is crucial not only for ensuring it fits adequately in your space, but also for determining the optimal viewing distance. Furthermore, measuring your TV screen allows you to determine its aspect ratio. This Mytour article provides you with the simplest method to measure your TV screen and find the perfect size and fit.
Key Points to Remember
- TV manufacturers determine a TV's screen size by measuring diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner.
- To determine the ideal viewing distance from your TV, multiply the diagonal screen size by 1.2.
- To ensure your TV fits properly on your shelf, it's essential to measure the height, width, and depth of the TV.
Procedures to Follow
How to Measure Your Screen
Position a tape measure diagonally across the screen. Place one end of your tape measure or ruler in the bottom-left corner of your TV screen, and measure upwards to the top-right corner. Take note of the distance from one corner to the other. This is the method most TV manufacturers use to determine the screen size, which is typically listed on your TV's packaging or in advertisements.
- The measurement provided on your TV's packaging only accounts for the screen size and excludes the frame (also known as the bezel), which can add extra inches to the overall dimensions.
- If you're only interested in the screen size and not the entire TV, ensure that you're measuring solely the screen area and not including the frame.
- To ensure your TV fits your shelf, you'll need to measure the entire TV.
- TVs are available in various sizes, ranging from smaller models between 24 in (61 cm) and 32 in (81 cm), mid-sized TVs from 42 in (110 cm) up to 48 in (120 cm), and larger TVs from 55 in (140 cm) to 85 in (220 cm) or larger.
Assess the width of your TV screen. If you wish to determine the width of your screen, measure horizontally from left to right. Ensure that your measurement is focused solely on the screen area and doesn't include the bezel.
- The diagonal size of your TV differs from its width and height. Typically, the width of a TV screen is slightly smaller than the advertised screen size on the packaging.
Evaluate the height of your screen. To ascertain the height of your TV screen, run the tape measure or ruler vertically from the top to the bottom of the screen. Once again, ensure that your measurement encompasses only the screen and not the bezel if you're interested solely in the actual screen size.
Determine the aspect ratio of your screen. Your TV screen's aspect ratio refers to its width and height (W:H). You can determine the aspect ratio by measuring the width and length and then simplifying the two numbers.
- In most instances, older standard TVs feature a 4:3 aspect ratio, while modern rectangular HDTVs have a 16:9 aspect ratio.
- The devices connected to your TV may have a different aspect ratio compared to your TV. If the aspect ratio doesn't match your movie, game, DVD, or other video content, you might observe black bars on the screen or experience blurriness.
Optimal Viewing Distance
Measuring the screen diagonally. To determine the ideal viewing distance from your TV, start by measuring the TV screen diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Ensure you're measuring only the screen area, not the bezel.
- This can help you decide where to mount your TV and position your furniture for optimal viewing.
Apply a factor of 1.2. Whatever measurement you obtained from measuring the screen diagonally, multiply it by 1.2. This will determine the recommended distance (in inches or centimeters) your viewing area should be from the TV. The TV should occupy approximately 40% of your field of vision when you're seated and watching it.
Convert the measurement to feet or meters. You can convert inches to feet by dividing the measurement by 12. You can convert centimeters to meters by dividing the measurement in centimeters by 100. Below are the recommended viewing distances based on your TV size:
- 42 in (110 cm) TV: 4.2 ft (1.3 m) viewing distance.
- 48 in (120 cm) TV: 4.8 ft (1.5 m) viewing distance.
- 50 in (130 cm) TV: 5 ft (1.5 m) viewing distance.
- 55 in (140 cm) TV: 5.5 ft (1.7 m) viewing distance.
- 60 in (150 cm) TV: 6 ft (1.8 m) viewing distance.
- 65 in (170 cm) TV: 6.5 ft (2.0 m) viewing distance.
- 70 in (180 cm) TV: 7 ft (2.1 m) viewing distance.
- 75 in (190 cm) TV: 7.5 ft (2.3 m) viewing distance.
- 85 in (220 cm) TV: 8.5 ft (2.6 m) viewing distance.
Measuring the Entire TV
Determine the TV width. While knowing the screen size aids in finding the appropriate viewing distance, it doesn't indicate if your TV fits on your shelf or cabinet. To ensure that, measure the entire TV, including the frame or bezel. Utilize a tape measure or ruler to measure the TV horizontally (from left to right), ensuring it remains level.
- Some TVs feature a stand with legs extending from the sides. If your TV has such legs, measure the distance between them to ensure proper placement on the shelf or stand.
Evaluate the TV height. If there's a shelf or platform above the TV area, you must know the TV's height to ensure it fits. Measure along the TV's edges from top to bottom to ascertain its height.
- If the TV has a stand or legs, include their height. Place the TV on the stand and measure from its top to the surface it rests on, keeping the measuring stick parallel to the TV's edge.
Assess the TV depth. Knowing the TV's depth aids in determining its suitability for a cabinet or shelf. If wall-mounting, it helps determine how far the TV protrudes. Measure from the TV's front to its furthest point at the back.
- If the TV's back isn't flat, extend a measuring stick past one of its edges to the furthest point.
- Keep the measuring stick parallel to the TV's front.
- If using a TV stand, include the depth of its legs if they protrude. Measure from the stand's front to the TV's furthest point at the back.
Measuring Your Space for Correct Placement
Gauge the TV shelf width. Start by measuring the width of the area where the TV sits to determine if it fits. Ensure it accommodates the TV's width and legs, with a few inches spare on each side for proper ventilation.
Determine the depth of the TV shelf. Measure the TV shelf from front to back to ensure it can accommodate the entire thickness of the TV as well as its stand or legs. Leave a few inches of space in the back for access and ventilation.
Evaluate the height of the TV shelf. If there's a shelf or platform above the TV area, measure its height to ensure sufficient vertical space for the TV and its stand.
