Have you ever stared at your computer screen, wondering exactly how big it is diagonally? Perhaps you’re considering a monitor upgrade for a more immersive gaming experience, or maybe you’re shopping for a new laptop and need to ensure it has the ideal screen size for your multitasking needs. Whatever the reason, knowing the precise dimensions of your computer screen is crucial. This guide will equip you with several methods to accurately measure your computer screen size, whether you’re dealing with a traditional desktop monitor or a sleek, modern laptop.
How To Measure A Computer Screen?
1. Using A Measuring Tape (Diagonal Measurement)
The most common and straightforward method for measuring your computer screen size is the trusty measuring tape. This method focuses on the diagonal measurement, which is the industry standard for specifying monitor size. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A measuring tape with sufficient length to reach diagonally across your screen.
- A flat surface on which to place your monitor or laptop, if necessary.
Steps:
- Turn off your monitor or laptop and unplug it from the power source for safety.
- Lay your monitor flat on a clean surface, with the screen facing upwards. If you’re measuring a laptop, open the lid completely and lay it flat on a table.
- Locate a corner of the viewable screen area, not including the bezel (the plastic frame surrounding the screen). It doesn’t matter which corner you choose, as long as you measure diagonally to the opposite corner.
- Hold the measuring tape flat against the screen. Make sure the tape starts at the exact edge of the viewable area you identified in step 3.
- Extend the measuring tape diagonally across the screen to the opposite corner, ensuring it remains flat against the surface of the screen.
- Read the measurement at the point where the tape reaches the opposite corner. This value represents the diagonal screen size in inches or centimeters, depending on the markings on your measuring tape.
2. Checking The Model Number
Not a fan of fiddling with a measuring tape? No worries! Many monitors and laptops have their screen size readily available through the model number. Here’s how to find it:
For Desktops:
- Locate the model number on your monitor. It’s usually printed on a sticker on the back of the monitor or etched discreetly on the bezel.
- Consult the user manual that came with your monitor. The user manual often includes detailed specifications, including the screen size.
- Search online: If you can’t find the user manual or the model number isn’t readily apparent, you can search online using the brand and model number of your monitor. Manufacturer websites and retailer listings typically include the screen size in the product specifications.
For Laptops:
- Turn on your laptop.
- Access the system settings. The specific method for accessing settings will vary depending on your operating system (Windows, macOS, etc.). Typically, you can find the settings icon in the start menu or taskbar.
- Navigate to the “System” or “Display”
- Look for a section displaying information about your screen. This section might be labeled “Display Resolution”.
- The screen size, typically listed diagonally in inches, should be displayed here.
3. With Pythagorean Theorem
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Here’s a method for the mathematically inclined that utilizes the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the diagonal screen size. This method is particularly useful if you can easily measure the width and height of your screen but lack a measuring tape to measure the diagonal directly.
What You’ll Need:
- A ruler or measuring tape to measure the width and height of your screen.
- A basic understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c², where a and b represent the lengths of the two shorter sides of a right triangle, and c represents the length of the hypotenuse (the diagonal side).
Steps:
- Turn off your monitor or laptop and unplug it from the power source for safety.
- Measure the width of your screen from one edge of the viewable area (excluding the bezel) to the opposite edge.
- Measure the height of your screen from the top edge of the viewable area to the bottom edge.
- Square the width measurement. In simpler terms, multiply the width by itself. For example, if your width measurement is 15 inches, squaring it would result in 15 x 15 = 225.
- Square the height measurement. Similar to step 4, multiply the height measurement by itself.
- Add the squared width and height values together.
- Take the square root of the sum obtained in step 6. You can use a calculator for this step.
The result you obtain after taking the square root represents the diagonal screen size of your monitor in inches (assuming you used inches for your measurements).
Example:
Let’s say your screen width measures 18 inches and the height measures 12 inches.
- Squared width = 18 x 18 = 324
- Squared height = 12 x 12 = 144
- 324 + 144 = 468
- Square root of 468 ≈ 21.6 (using a calculator)
- Using Aspect Ratio & Screen Resolution
Let’s say you don’t have a measuring tape handy, or the model number route isn’t working out. Fear not! You can still determine your screen size by measuring the width and height of the viewable area and leveraging the concept of aspect ratio.
What Is Aspect Ratio?
An aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a screen. Common aspect ratios for computer screens include:
- 16:9: This is the most widely used aspect ratio for modern monitors and laptops. It offers a wide viewing experience, ideal for watching movies, gaming, and multitasking.
- 4:3: This older aspect ratio is less common these days but might still be found on some older monitors. It’s squarer in shape and was more suitable for productivity tasks like document editing.
- 16:10: This aspect ratio offers a slightly taller screen compared to 16:9, providing more vertical space for displaying documents and webpages.
Steps To Measure With Width & Height:
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a ruler or measuring tape to measure the width and height of your screen’s viewable area, excluding the bezel.
- Measure The Width And Height: Carefully measure the horizontal distance (width) and the vertical distance (height) of the visible screen area in inches or centimeters.
- Identify The Aspect Ratio: Once you have the width and height measurements, consult your monitor’s user manual or search online using the model number to determine the aspect ratio. If you can’t find the exact model information, look for common aspect ratios used by your monitor’s manufacturer.
Understanding Screen Resolution:
While not directly involved in calculating the diagonal size, it’s important to understand the concept of screen resolution. Screen resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image displayed on your screen. It’s typically expressed in a format like 1920 x 1080, indicating 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically.
Calculating Diagonal Size With Aspect Ratio:
Here’s how to calculate the diagonal size using the aspect ratio:
- Divide The Width By The Height: Based on our example, we have a width of 21 inches and a height of 12 inches. Divide the width by the height:
21 inches (width) / 12 inches (height) = 1.75 - Compare The Result To Common Aspect Ratios: If the result (1.75) is close to a known aspect ratio (like 1.778 for 16:9), you can safely assume that’s the correct aspect ratio for your monitor.
- Formula For Diagonal Size: Once you’ve confirmed the aspect ratio, you can use a simple formula to calculate the diagonal size:
Diagonal Size = √(width² + height²) / aspect ratio
where:- √ symbol represents the square root function
- width and height are your measured values in inches (or centimeters)
- aspect ratio is the decimal value representing the width-to-height proportion (e.g., 1.778 for 16:9)
- Apply The formula To The example: Assuming a 16:9 aspect ratio (based on the result in step 1), let’s calculate the diagonal size:
Diagonal size = √(21² + 12²) / 1.778- Square the width and height: 21² = 441 and 12² = 144
- Apply the formula: √(441 + 144) / 1.778 ≈ 23.8 inches (rounded to two decimal places)
Advantages Of Finding The Monitor Size
Knowing the exact size of your computer screen offers several benefits:
- Ergonomic Setup: Proper monitor placement is crucial for maintaining good posture and reducing eye strain. Knowing your screen size allows you to calculate the optimal viewing distance for your specific setup.
- Compatibility Checks: If you’re considering a new monitor for your desktop computer, knowing the size ensures compatibility with your existing desk space and monitor mount (if applicable).
- Software Compatibility: Some software programs are designed for specific screen resolutions. Knowing your screen size helps you determine compatibility and avoid potential display issues.
- Multitasking Optimization: For those who frequently multitask with multiple windows open, understanding your screen size allows you to arrange windows efficiently and optimize your workspace layout.
- Informed Purchasing Decisions: When shopping for a new monitor or laptop, understanding screen size allows you to choose the ideal display for your needs. Whether you prioritize a large screen for immersive gaming or a more compact size for portability, knowing the dimensions helps you narrow down your options and ensure a comfortable viewing experience.
Precautions To Take While Measuring A Monitor
While measuring your monitor size seems like a straightforward task, there are a few precautions to ensure an accurate reading:
- Measure The Viewable Area Only: Avoid including the bezel (the plastic frame surrounding the screen) in your measurements. Focus solely on the actual screen area that displays the image.
- Use A Straight Ruler Or Measuring Tape: Ensure the measuring tool is flat against the screen throughout the measurement process. Avoid bending or curving the tape, as this can lead to inaccurate readings.
- Maintain A Perpendicular Angle: When using a measuring tape, hold it perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the screen surface. Tilting the tape can introduce errors.
- Consider Rounding: For most practical purposes, rounding your measurements to the nearest tenth of an inch (or centimeter) is sufficient. Don’t get bogged down by overly precise measurements.
- Repeat For Accuracy: If you’re unsure about your initial measurement, repeat the process to ensure you have a reliable reading.
How To Measure A Curved Monitor?
Curved monitors offer an immersive viewing experience, but measuring their size requires a slightly different approach compared to flat screens. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Difference:
The standard method of measuring diagonally from corner to corner won’t provide an accurate representation of the viewable area on a curved monitor. This is because a straight line drawn across a curved surface doesn’t reflect the actual distance a user perceives when viewing the screen.
Measurement Options:
There are two main approaches to measuring a curved monitor:
1. Manufacturer Specifications: Similar to flat monitors, the most reliable method might be to consult the user manual or search online using the model number to find the manufacturer’s specified size. Curved monitor sizes are typically advertised based on the diagonal measurement of the equivalent flat panel that would produce the same viewable area.
2. Measuring The Visible Curve: If the manufacturer’s specifications aren’t readily available, you can estimate the size by measuring the visible curve of the screen. Here’s how:
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a flexible measuring tape that can conform to the curve of the screen.
- Locate The Center: Identify the center point of the bottom bezel of your monitor.
- Measure The Curve: Starting from the center point at the bottom bezel, carefully extend the measuring tape along the curved edge of the screen towards the top center point. Ensure the tape follows the curve of the screen as closely as possible. Read the measurement at the top center point.
- Important Note: This method provides an estimate of the diagonal size based on the curvature. It might not be as precise as the manufacturer’s specifications, but it can be helpful if that information is unavailable
FAQs:
Ultrawide monitors, like any other, are measured diagonally from one visible corner to the opposite corner. This measurement, such as 34 inches, represents the advertised size of the monitor. It’s important to note that this diagonal measurement doesn’t reflect the width or height of the screen, which are separate considerations for desk space.
The size of a monitor’s bezel affects its overall footprint on your desk, but not the advertised viewable screen area measured diagonally. For example, a 34-inch ultrawide monitor will always have a 34-inch diagonal viewable area regardless of bezel width. Thinner bezels can allow for a larger screen within a similar-sized chassis, while thicker bezels may result in a bulkier monitor, even with the same screen size.
It’s crucial to measure only the viewable screen area of a monitor, especially for ultrawides with large bezels. This ensures fair comparisons between monitors because the advertised size refers to the visible picture, not including bezels. This viewable area directly affects usability for tasks like work or gaming, as bezels don’t contribute to the displayed image.
The diagonal measurement is the standard for screen size across devices like smartphones, monitors, TVs, and projectors. It’s a straightforward way to compare viewing areas, regardless of shape or size. Even with different aspect ratios (like 16:9 for widescreen), the diagonal size gives a clear indication of the overall screen size you’ll experience.
Determining the screen size of a dual-monitor setup isn’t as straightforward as measuring a single monitor’s diagonal. First, measure each monitor separately from corner to corner of the viewable screen area (excluding bezels). Next, consider the usable screen area, which accounts for any space lost due to bezels when the monitors are side-by-side. This ensures an accurate assessment of the combined usable display space.
Conclusion
By employing the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to determine the exact size of your computer screen, whether it’s a traditional flat monitor or a modern curved display. Knowing your screen size empowers you to make informed decisions regarding monitor upgrades, ensuring optimal viewing experiences, and fostering a productive and comfortable computer setup.
