In this article, you will learn the difference between the publicly advertised size of a TV screen verses the actual size of the screen. This article also explains why you should factor in the TV stand or wall mount measurement when choosing a location for your TV.
What to Know
- Measurements to know: Diagonal TV screen size, TV frame size with and without stand or wall mount, and space where TV will go.TV frames can add 1/2 to 3 inches to width and height of TV frame. Stands add several more inches.Publicly promoted diagonal screen sizes do not always reflect the (slightly smaller) viewable screen size.
Just because the space you have for your TV is 55", will your new TV really fit the space? Before you head out the door to get that great flat-screen TV deal with the ad in hand and cash in pocket, make sure it’s the size you think it is.
Here are the TV measurements you need to know.
- Diagonal Screen Size.Frame/Bezel Dimensions with and without provided stand for platform vs wall mounting.The space your TV is going to be placed in.
Diagonal Screen Size (See Our TV Size Chart)
When you see an ad for a TV, the screen size is what stands out the most. The promoted screen size refers to the diagonal length stated in inches. Diagonal length is measured from one corner to the opposite corner of the screen surface (bottom left to top right or top left to bottom right).
However, the publicly promoted diagonal screen size does not always reflect the actual viewable screen size.
To combat accusations of false advertising for flat-screen TVs, the term “class” is often used. This means that an advertised TV might be referred to as a 55-inch “class TV”. The reason for this is that the frame/bezel needs to cover a small portion of the panel in order to secure it.
Listed below are examples of standard total diagonal screen size versus actual viewable diagonal screen size (all sizes represented in inches).
The TV Frame/Bezel and Stand
Although the diagonal screen measurement determines the relative TV screen viewing area, it doesn’t tell you precisely if the TV will fit within a given space.
You also need to take into account the actual width and height of the entire TV frame, bezel, and stand. Frames/bezels can add anywhere from 1/2 to 3 inches to the width and/or height of the TV frame and the stands add several more. Stands also add more depth.
What this means is that whether you are ordering a TV online or before going to the store, make sure you note the listed size of the entire TV, which not only includes the screen but the frame/bezel and stand.
If you have some TV brands and models in mind, most manufacturers post both TV product and package dimensions on their web pages.
However, even if you have that information in hand, if you are going to a store to purchase your TV, take a tape measure with you in case the TV is on display. You can then check or confirm the entire exterior dimensions of the TV.
If the TV is not on display, but only in a box, check the box for any listed specifications regarding the size of the TV with, and without its stand.
Measure the Space Your TV Is Going to Be Placed In
Knowing the size of the entire TV provides the information on how much space it needs for placement, but you need to make sure that you have also measured the width and height available of the space that your TV is going to be placed in.
If the TV is going in an open space or on a wall, the main consideration is that there is space for the stand and the wall space doesn’t have any borders you may have to contend width.
However, if placing your TV in an enclosed space, such as an entertainment center, be sure to leave at least a 2-to-3 inch space on both the left and right side as well as the top and bottom (including the stand) of the TV so it can be safely and easily move in and out of place.
It is also a good idea to connect everything to your TV before moving it into place, as the TV connections may be located on both the back and sides of the TV.
Don’t forget to take both your recorded measurements and your tape measure to the store with you.
In addition to measuring the TV and space it is going to be placed in, it is also important to take your seating distance and viewing angle into consideration.
- How do I measure my computer screen?
- When you measure your computer screen, screen size is the diagonal length from the top corner to the opposite bottom corner. It is measured in inches and is different from screen resolution, which is in pixels. Do not include the bezel around the screen when measuring the size.
- How do I clean my TV screen?
- To clean a flat-screen TV or monitor, turn if off and wipe gently using a soft, dry cloth. If needed, dampen the cloth with distilled water or an equal ratio of distilled water to white vinegar.
- Is there an app to measure TV size?
- You can use the Google Measure app to help measure your screen. If you have an Apple TV, use an app like TV Widget+ to instantly calculate screen size.
When you measure your computer screen, screen size is the diagonal length from the top corner to the opposite bottom corner. It is measured in inches and is different from screen resolution, which is in pixels. Do not include the bezel around the screen when measuring the size.
To clean a flat-screen TV or monitor, turn if off and wipe gently using a soft, dry cloth. If needed, dampen the cloth with distilled water or an equal ratio of distilled water to white vinegar.
You can use the Google Measure app to help measure your screen. If you have an Apple TV, use an app like TV Widget+ to instantly calculate screen size.
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
How to Calculate the Viewing Distance for a TV
How to Buy a TV in 2022
How Many Pixels in an Inch (PPI)?
The 6 Best TV Stands of 2022
How to Choose a TV Wall Mount
How to Choose a Computer Monitor
10 Best Free Photo Resizers
The 3 Best Curved TVs of 2022
How to Use the Measure App on iPhone or iPad
The Best Projector Screens for Outstanding Viewing at Home
How To Measure a Computer Screen
The 7 Best Samsung TVs of 2022
Tips to Set Up and Get the Most From a Sound Bar
Tips for Creating a Virtual Reality Room
What Is a Bezel and What Does Bezel-Less Mean?
How to Make Your Own Audio Diffusers
Facebook
Twitter
Hit Refresh on Your Tech News
About Us
Privacy Policy
Editorial Guidelines
Terms of Use
Careers
Advertise
Contact
EU Privacy
NEWS
HOW TO
FEATURES
ABOUT US
