Whether you’ve made the decision to upgrade, or you’re just looking for a new model to add to a room, there are a lot of things to think about when buying a new television. Chief among these is knowing just how much space that new television will take up. Let’s look at how you measure a television screen…
Why are television screens measured in inches?
So, you’ve spent some time looking at new televisions, and you see that the size is displayed with a measurement in inches. What does that number mean, and how will it look in your home?
Those inches refer to the diagonal length of the TV from corner to corner (bottom left to top right, for example). This standard of measurement has been around since the very first televisions started to hit the market.
Back then, home televisions required a cathode ray tube (CRT) - a device not too unlike the old projection systems used in a cinema - which needed to be a certain distance from the front of a television screen to work.
Because of this, television screens were not flat, but had to curve slightly in order to display the image across the full width and height of the screen. Therefore, a diagonal measurement was the best way to determine the size of the screen in a clear and consistent manner.
Since then, televisions have come on leaps and bounds, adopting new technologies that even the brightest minds wouldn’t have conceived back in the day. So, why do we still use this diagonal measurement when there are more accurate ways?
Measuring diagonally provides a worldwide standard measurement system that compares screen sizes with different aspect ratios. This makes it much easier to compare different models.
Why are there different aspect ratios?
There are three common aspect ratios that are often seen in screen sizes: 4:3 (standard), 16:9 (widescreen), and 21:9 (cinematic). Older television models used the 4:3 ratio, which is more box-shaped than screens today. At the other end of the spectrum, the ultrawide 21:9 ratio is primarily used in high-end computer monitors or theatre screens.
Thankfully for most modern televisions, this variation of aspect ratios isn’t much of a concern, as the standard ratio for film and television has been 16:9 since the dawn of high definition entertainment.
Regardless, it’s important to understand exactly what we mean by an aspect ratio. Like any ratio, this is the correlation between the width and height. Take that 4:3 ratio. For every four units of width, we have three units of height, so if the width of a screen was 100 centimetres, the height would be 75 centimetres.
Where do pixels come into this?
Imagine you’ve spotted a 4K TV that takes your liking. What does that ‘4K’ mean in relation to the size of the screen? Put simply, pixels make up the resolution of your screen, and are what make the image so crisp.
A Full HD screen will usually have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, whereas a 4K screen will have four times this number (3840 x 2160 pixels). A 4K screen won’t be four times the size, but will have smaller pixels that it can pack in with a higher density, meaning the image on the screen is sharper than a screen with a lower resolution.
We’ll cover this in more detail later in this article, but it’s worth noting that with higher resolution comes greater clarity, allowing you to be closer to the screen without feeling the strain on your eyes.
How to measure a television
With all that out of the way, how do we actually measure a television size? It’s not just as straightforward as pulling out your tape measure. There are several different elements you’ll want to consider in order to make sure the television is right for you. Let’s run through them…
Measure the screen and television separately
The best way to measure the screen is to follow that tried and true method of measuring diagonally. Make sure to measure just the screen, not any frame (which is also known as the bezel). This is more important than just having peace of mind, but will help with calculating the optimal distance later on.
Once you’ve measured your screen, now measure the television as a whole, bezel included. You might wonder why this measurement is important, but having a clear understanding of these different elements of your new television will help you to visualise how it will look when it’s set up in your home. You might be set on a sleek, frameless model, only to discover that you find yourself missing that slim bezel border. It might just be the deciding factor between two television models.
Measure the height and width
It’s time to put some true measurements into the mix. Measure the height and width of the screen, and the overall height and width of the television so you can see if it will fit into your designated space. If you’re planning to keep your television freestanding, don’t forget to measure up the stand to make sure it will fit on your entertainment unit.
Measure the depth
In a world where flat-screen televisions are the norm, you might be wondering why the depth of a screen is important, but if you intend to wall-mount it, those extra inches will feel a lot larger if they stick too far out into your room.
Measure the distance from the front of your screen to the point furthest back, taking into account the additional space a wall-mount will add onto that number.
Measure the distance
Now that you’ve measured up your television, the next consideration is to work out the distance between you and the screen. The main factor to consider here is getting the most out of your new television. Sit too close, and you won’t be able to take in everything on screen. Too far and you’ll miss out on those crisp textures. So, what is the optimal distance?
The recommended viewing distance differs depending on the resolution, however the Society of Motion Picture and Technical Engineers (SMPTE) recommends that, when viewed, a Full HD 1080p television should occupy a 30-degree arc of your vision.
To save getting too bogged down in distance-to-screen ratios, we can use the general rule that the distance between you and the screen should be about twice the screen size for 1080p, or one and a half for 4K. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a handy chart to clear things up:
|
Screen Size |
Full HD (1080p) |
4K UHD |
|
30-inch |
4–6 feet |
3–5 feet |
|
40-inch |
5–8 feet |
4–6 feet |
|
50-inch |
6–10 feet |
5–8 feet |
|
60-inch |
7–12 feet |
6–9 feet |
|
70-inch |
9–14 feet |
7–10 feet |
|
80-inch |
10–16 feet |
8–12 feet |
Given their higher pixel density, 4K and 8K television screens allow you to get fully immersed at a closer distance, so if your room is a bit on the smaller side, a higher resolution might just be the option for you.
If you’re worried about the damage your new television will do to your eyes if you sit too close, don’t worry. The move away from old CRT monitors and their harsh light beams to the new world of LCD and OLED has meant that the strain on your eyes is significantly reduced.
Wall mount or stand?
Think about how you want to present your television when you get it set up. Will it sit with pride atop an entertainment unit, or do you plan to mount it to a wall? Well, there are a few things you might want to consider before you make that decision.
If the television you want is a size upgrade, make sure your entertainment unit is wide enough to accommodate it. Check the product specifications to see what type of stand comes with your new television. You should also factor in how the height of the unit will affect the overall height when your new television is sitting on top. A taller unit and large screen combination might impact your viewing angle, which could lead to a sore neck in the long run!
If you’re thinking of wall mounting your television, make sure the wall mount you use is securely attached to the wall. The last thing you want is for that new TV to tear a hole in your wall.
Think about any shelves or hanging frames in the vicinity. A larger screen might just intrude in their space. Lastly, if you have any additional devices attached, think about how long those wires are, and if they have enough space to reach where they need.
Measure for perfection with Comet
You’ve got your measurements all worked out, now it’s time to get shopping. At Comet, you’ll find the top television screens from the leading brands, including LG, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, and more.
Use Klarna Pay in 3 or PayPal Credit to split those costs over three, interest-free payments.
Want your new TV in a hurry? Then choose our express delivery option at checkout.
Shop the best televisions at Comet today.
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