How to measure a computer screen: Quick guide
A simple guide on how to measure your monitor screen
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A computer screen is measured diagonally from one corner to the opposing corner. For accurate measuring, you must only record the part of the monitor or TV which displays color – so not the bezel.
Nowadays, you’ll be able to find the exact dimension of the display in your user manual, however, for those that need reassurance, here’s a quick guide on how to measure a computer screen.
What you need to measure a computer monitor
Below is a list of items that you will need in order to measure a computer screen:
- Tape measure or ruler
- Pen
- Paper
How to measure a computer monitor
Now you have all the necessary items for measuring a screen, let’s get straight into the process.
Step
Switch your display on
Although this may not be necessary, it does help in measuring the display. If your monitor is all set up, switch it on.
Step
Using the tape measure
Put your tape measure across it diagonally (from one corner to the other).
When measuring, make sure to only measure the portion of the screen that shows color.
Do not measure the bezel of the display – this does no count towards the specified size of a display.
Step
Make note of the size
The final step is to simply make note of the diagonal length of the display – this is your computer screen’s measurement.
That’s all there is to it. The size of your computer screen diagonally is what most manufacturers publish in the specifications of a display.
Pro Tip: If you can’t measure the display diagonally (your measuring device is too small), you can measure the height and width of the screen then use the Pythagorean theorem to work out the rest. Of course, you can use the same measurements work out the monitor’s aspect ratio as well – dividing each normal equally until you can’t make a whole number.
What is your monitor size?
When we refer to a monitor’s size, we’re strictly talking about the distance between two opposite diagonal corners. This is the way monitors have been measured for years, with monitor manufacturers labeling the correct dimensions in the specifications.
A monitor’s size is not the height or the width. Furthermore, it does not include the bezel (the area around the outside of the display) either.
Related pages
Want to learn more about monitor sizes, screen types, and gaming? Why not check out some of our related articles below:
