Buzz
As technology continues to advance, televisions are constantly being improved to offer larger screens and better quality. If you've recently upgraded to a newer TV model, you might be interested in learning the best way to measure its screen size. Fortunately, measuring a TV is straightforward and only takes a few seconds. Simply stretch a measuring tape from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner to verify the manufacturer's provided dimensions. If you want to ensure the TV fits your cabinet, shelf, or wall space, measuring its width, height, and depth will help you confirm it's a perfect fit for your desired setup.
Steps
Measure the TV's dimensions
Measure the screen diagonally to verify the advertised size. Whether you're measuring a flat-screen TV or another type, place the end of the tape measure at the top-left corner of the screen and stretch it to the bottom-right corner. Measuring diagonally ensures you get the standard screen size used by manufacturers in their advertisements.
- Here are some common TV sizes based on diagonal measurements: 24 in (61 cm), 28 in (71 cm), 32 in (81 cm), 42 in (110 cm), 48 in (120 cm), and 60 in (150 cm).
- You can also find TVs with screens as large as 72 in (180 cm) or even bigger.
Tip: Only measure the screen size, excluding the bezel or frame around the outer edges of the screen.
Use a tape measure horizontally from one side to the other to determine the width. Measure from the outermost left edge of the TV to the outermost right edge, including the bezel on both sides. This measurement represents the width, which is usually slightly smaller than the screen size.
- For example, a 60 in (150 cm) TV typically has an actual width of 52.3 in (133 cm).
- The width measurement is crucial, as it determines whether the TV will fit on your wall, cabinet, or shelf.
Measure from top to bottom to determine the height. Stretch the tape measure from the top edge of the TV to the bottom edge on the same side. This will give you the height measurement. Most modern TVs have a height that is approximately 56% of their width.
- A 48 in (120 cm) TV with a 42 in (110 cm) screen width will have a height of around 25–27 in (64–69 cm).
- While height is generally less critical than width, it still plays a role in determining the ideal placement for your TV.
Measure the depth of the TV from front to back. This can be tricky if the back of the TV is tapered. In such cases, place a long, flat object (like a ruler) against the back and measure the distance from the screen to the object. If this isn't feasible, you can estimate visually.
- Knowing the depth ensures the TV will fit into your cabinet or shelf.
- TV designs are constantly evolving to save space. Many modern flat-screen TVs with stands are less than 10 in (25 cm) deep, and some without stands are as slim as 3 in (7.5 cm).
Ensure the TV fits the installation space
Measure the dimensions of the TV installation area. If you haven't done this yet, measure the height and width of the space where the TV will be placed. Additionally, take note of the surface of the cabinet, shelf, or TV stand to ensure it can accommodate the TV.
- For the most accurate results, round up the measurements to the nearest 1/2 inch (1.3 cm).
- Record the dimensions of the installation area for easy reference when selecting a new TV.
Leave 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of space around the TV installation area. Ensure the shelf or wall space for mounting the TV is at least half a hand's width larger than the TV on all sides. This ensures a proper fit and avoids disappointment when placing the TV.
- You can squeeze a 50 in (130 cm) TV into a 45 in (110 cm) cabinet, but it will look cramped. Opt for a 46 in (120 cm) or 48 in (120 cm) TV for a more spacious look.
- Know the width and height of the TV for wall mounting. If placing it on a shelf or cabinet, also consider the TV's depth.
Choose a TV screen size large enough for clear viewing from your seating position. A 50 in (130 cm) screen sounds impressive, but it might not be clear if you're sitting across the room. A general rule is to multiply the viewing distance in inches by 0.84 to estimate the ideal screen size.
- For example, if you sit 72 in (180 cm) away, a 60 in (150 cm) TV will provide an optimal viewing experience.
- Alternatively, use an online calculator to determine the best TV size for your space or the ideal viewing distance for the best experience.
Understand the TV's aspect ratio to enjoy the best image quality. The aspect ratio refers to the width and height of the displayed image. Modern widescreen TVs have a 16:9 aspect ratio, meaning the image is 9 in (23 cm) tall for every 16 in (41 cm) wide.
- Standard TVs compress images into a square format with a smaller overall area, while widescreen TVs use the extra width to display images in their full, proportional size.
- Standard (4:3) and widescreen TVs may have the same diagonal measurement, but the images will look slightly different.
Multiply the standard screen size by 1.22 to match the widescreen aspect ratio. If you're switching to a widescreen TV but still want to watch 4:3 content, multiply the diagonal size of your old TV by 1.22. This will give you the minimum widescreen TV size needed to display 4:3 content without reducing its size.
- If you currently use a 40 in (100 cm) standard TV, you'll need a widescreen TV with at least a 50 in (130 cm) screen to maintain the same 4:3 image size.
Tips
- If you're unsure about affording a specific TV size, explore other models with the same dimensions. A 50 in (130 cm) plasma TV is often more affordable than a 50 in (130 cm) LED flat-screen TV, and standard LED TVs are cheaper than 4K smart TVs.
