How to Measure TV Screen Size in Inches | Complete Guide with Examples
To measure a television screen in inches, measure the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner (for example, from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner). Use a measuring tape and record the length in inches or centimeters. If you measured in centimeters, divide the result by 2.54 to get the inches. Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how to measure, example calculations, and points to consider.
TV Screen Size Measurement Basics: Diagonal Method and Conversion Formula
Television screen size, according to the standard measurement used, is the diagonal length of the screen. This measurement is the distance from the top left corner to the bottom right corner (or from the bottom left corner to the top right corner) of the displayed area of the screen.
The basic formula for conversion is:
Inches = Centimeters / 2.54
Conversely, if you want to convert from inches to centimeters:
Centimeters = Inches × 2.54
How to Measure TV Screen Size: Step-by-Step Instructions
Place the television on a flat and stable surface, or if wall-mounted, leave it in a stable position.
Get a measuring tape or ruler. Make sure the measuring tool can comfortably extend along the diagonal.
Measure the distance from the top left corner of the screen (the corner of the displayed area) to the bottom right corner. If the screen has a bezel, measure only the corners of the displayed area for the most accurate results.
If the value you obtained is in centimeters, divide it by 2.54 to convert it to inches.
When comparing the result to the "rounded" inch values seen in stores or on product labels, you can round the result to the nearest whole number (e.g., 21.65 ≈ 22 inches).
Example Calculations: Converting TV Screen Measurements
Example 1: Converting Centimeters to Inches
If your TV screen diagonal measures 100 cm:
Inches = 100 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 39.37 inches
This is usually rounded to 39 inches. Manufacturers often label TVs using whole inch values (e.g., 39 instead of 39.37) for simplicity.
Example 2: Converting Centimeters to Inches
If your TV screen diagonal measures 127 cm:
Inches = 127 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 50 inches
This TV would be marketed as a 50-inch model.
Example 3: Converting Centimeters to Inches
If your TV screen diagonal measures 165 cm:
Inches = 165 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 64.96 inches
This is usually rounded to 65 inches.
Example 4: Converting from inches to Centimeters
A common size on the market is 55 inches . To convert this to centimeters:
Centimeters = 55 × 2.54 = 139.7 cm
This is often stated as approximately 140 cm.
Common Mistakes and Practical Tips When Measuring TV Screen Size
1. Don’t Include the Bezel
Standard measurement only considers the diagonal of the displayed area of the screen. Some amateur measurements, including the bezel, can lead to inaccurate results. When measuring, prioritize the corners of the displayed area.
2. Ensure Proper alignment
The measuring tape should be stretched so that it forms a straight line across the entire width. Curved measurements will lead to errors.
3. Wall-Mounted TVs
If you are measuring on a wall-mounted television, take the measurement safely without disturbing the screen's alignment, or ask a second person to help.
4. Curved Screens
Measuring the diagonal on a curved screen can be a bit more complicated. Measure along an imaginary straightened line, using the outermost points of the displayed surface as a reference.
5. Rounding Inches
If the calculation result is a decimal, manufacturers usually use the nearest whole inch values on their labels. For example, 21.65 inches is referred to as 22 inches.
Quick Checklist:
- Take the measurement along the diagonal.
- Base the displayed area on the corners; do not include the bezel.
- If you measured in centimeters, divide the result by 2.54 .
- When converting from inches to centimeters, multiply by 2.54 .
By following these steps, you can quickly and accurately find the answer to the question "how to measure television inches". Be careful when measuring; accurate measurement is important for proper mounting, choosing the right stand, and calculating the correct area.
