Shopping for a new TV can be exciting, but finding the right size for your room can be a bit tricky. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a few considerations for how to measure a TV, ensuring you get the ideal size for your space.
How to Measure a TV Screen
The screen size of a TV is determined by measuring diagonally across the screen. This is the dimension that will be advertised when you’re shopping for a new TV. If you already have a TV and you’re not sure what size it is, use a tape measure or ruler and measure from one corner to the opposite corner.
Considering Room Size
When picking the size of your TV, you need to consider the size of your room and how far away you’ll be sitting.
43″ – 50″: These TVs are perfect for average-sized living rooms and bedrooms
55″ – 65″: These larger TVs work well in larger living rooms
75″+: These TVs work best in media rooms or anywhere you are looking for a fully immersive experience
How Far Should You Sit from Your TV?
To ensure an immersive and comfortable viewing experience, consider the distance between your TV and seating area. A common rule of thumb is that your seating distance should be approximately 1.5 – 2.5 times the screen size of your TV. For example, if you have a 65-inch TV, aim for a seating distance of around 8 – 13 feet.
To Mount or Not to Mount?
If you plan to mount your TV on the wall, you’ll need to factor in your available wall space. Ideally, the middle of the screen should be several inches above your eye level when seated. If you don’t want to mount your TV, make sure you have enough room for a TV stand. You’ll want a TV stand that is at least two inches wider than your TV (but don’t confuse TV width with screen size!)
For more help choosing the perfect TV for you, check out our TV shopping guide. We also have helpful blog posts about Choosing the Best TV Size and How Big is Too Big for a TV.
