How To Measure Computer Monitor?

Computer monitors are available in various sizes: 13 inches to 43 inches. You can also use your television as a monitor, which provides a huge display. Contrarily, laptop displays are smaller in size: 11 inches to 16 inches.

Screen size not only affects the display, resolution, and quality but the price too. It is necessary to know the exact dimensions of your monitor.

I’ve got your back and have answered how to measure a computer monitor.

There is a difference between the monitor’s size and the size of the display. The screen refers to a screen that shows visuals to you, while the overall size includes the edge area.

You can measure with the same technique; it’s up to you which one you need. The methods discussed below will help you to measure a monitor in the right way.

How To Measure Computer Monitor Screen?

Screen size is usually measured in inches. The fundamental way to calculate the proportions of a monitor is with tape.

In this blog, I’ll mention three techniques to provide you with the exact measurements; let’s not wait more and move on to the methods.

Measuring Computer Monitor with a Ruler

The first method to identify the monitor’s size is with a measuring ruler. You can perform this with any measuring ruler longer than your screen size.

First, use this ruler to calculate the horizontal axis of your monitor screen from one edge to the other you’re calculating the screen size only, don’t add the frame section into your measurement.

After measuring the length, it’s time to take the size of your monitor screen vertically. Again, only add the image area in your estimation (omitting the borders).

Place a ruler from one end to the other in a straight-up position and note down the length of your monitor screen.
Now you’ve both horizontal and vertical measurements, calculate the image area. Image area is defined as an entire region where you see the visuals.

You can calculate it by multiplying both computed proportions: Horizontal Measurement (Length) x Vertical Measurement (Height).

For example, if the monitor’s horizontal size is 16 inches or 40.6 cm, and vertical size is 10 inches or 25.4 cm, the image area equals 16 x 10, 160cm. The image area is measured in square inches.

This is how simply you can estimate a monitor’s display using a ruler.

Measuring Computer Monitor with a Tape

The second technique with which you can measure a computer monitor is measuring tape. It is also a straightforward method that helps you in determining the correct size of your display.

Make sure you’re doing this step with a tape of enough length to avoid any errors.

Please start with the top corner at the left side of your monitor and extend it to the opposite edge, facing it in a diagonal direction (bottom right side).

If you take the right top as a starting point, then extend towards the left bottom. In short, you have to stick on the transverse path. Again you’ve to measure only screen size with no bezel included.

Plus, in this method, there is no need for further calculations. The diagonal length is your screen size, which is why I preferred this technique over others.

Factually speaking, the length of a diagonal is more extended than height or width. It is possible that your measuring tape is not enough to measure a diagonal in one go (primarily happened in the case of the TV screen).

In this sequence, please avoid measuring in sections, and use the Pythagorean theorem.

The theorem states that the square root of the sum-square of height and width equals the diagonal measurement.

For example, if the monitor’s height is 10 inches and its length is 16 inches, multiply both values by themselves and add the answers together: (10 x 10) + (16 x 16). After that, take the square root of sum: √356, which is equal to 18.9 inches. I found this method more accurate than the techniques mentioned above.

Measuring Computer Monitor with Calculations

This is comparatively a challenging method to find the size of your computer monitor. In this technique, you’ve to calculate the aspect ratio of length and height.

In general, computer monitors boast the following aspect ratios: 4:3, 5:3, 16:9, and 16:10. To determine this ratio, compare the length of your monitor to the height of your display and reduce figures if required. Don’t get puzzled; let me explain with an example.

For instance, if the length of the screen is 16 inches or 40.6 cm, and its height is 10 inches or 25.4 cm, then the aspect ratio would be written as 16:10.

However, if the length is equal to 25 inches or 63.5 cm and the height equals 15 inches, then the aspect ratio would be written as 5:3. Why is that so? Because 25:15 is divisible by 5.

Tips for Measuring a Computer Monitor

The primary tip while measuring a computer monitor is concentration. You have to perform it with full attention to avoid human errors.

Undoubtedly, the techniques discussed above are accurate and straightforward.

But still, if you need some help or want to make estimations quicker, then use online calculators, i.e., Omni calculator, in which you’ve to enter only one measurement.

It is designed to calculate the other two on its own.

Over and above that, you can also seek help from manufacturers. If you want to know the size of a particular monitor, search its model on the engine, and you’ll get the answer. Several websites contain data related to the size of monitors, pixels, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summing Up

Measuring a computer monitor is essential, especially if you’re planning to update your old one. Multiple factors are linked with the size of your monitor, including cost.

Therefore, it is always a good idea to know the accurate proportions of your screen. I’ve already explained the methods above, which are straightforward and undemanding.

Computing isn’t what you get; it’s what you figure out!

Arthur Finch