How are monitor sizes measured?
Diagonally, across the visible screen, without the frame. Width and height then depend on the shape: most monitors are 16:9, and ultrawides are 21:9 or 32:9.
A 34 inch ultrawide is 13.1 in (33.3 cm) tall, close to a 27 inch monitor at 13.2 in (33.6 cm). It is 7.8 in (19.9 cm) wider. A 49 inch super ultrawide is 47.2 in (119.8 cm) wide, about two 27 inch screens side by side.
Which monitor size suits your desk?
The screen should fill 30° to 40° of your view, so bigger screens need a deeper desk. Measure from your eyes to where the screen will sit, then find your distance below.
Which resolution suits each monitor size?
The same pixels look sharper on a smaller screen. Each cell gives the pixel density and the Windows scaling that keeps text a readable size.
Work out any screen in the PPI calculator.
How much do real monitors add around the screen?
We copied 58 monitors from 8 makers' spec sheets onto the size pages. Their bodies are at most 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wider than the screen, so the frame rarely decides whether one fits. On their stands, they take 6.7 in (17.0 cm) to 14.3 in (36.3 cm) of desk depth.
53 of the 58 use a 100 x 100 mm VESA pattern, so most monitor arms fit them. Each size page names the exceptions.
Is one ultrawide better than two monitors?
Neither suits everyone. A 49 inch super ultrawide is about as wide as two 27 inch screens, with no frame down the middle. For games and long timelines, the unbroken screen helps most.
Two monitors are often cheaper for the same width, and you can angle or rotate each one. One ultrawide needs a single cable and a single stand.
Compare sizes side by side: 24 vs 27 inch, 27 vs 32 inch and 32 vs 34 inch ultrawide.
More questions about monitor sizes
Is a 27 inch monitor 27 inches wide?
No. Monitor sizes are measured diagonally across the visible screen. A 27 inch 16:9 screen is 23.5 in (59.8 cm) wide and 13.2 in (33.6 cm) tall.
Are ultrawide monitors measured the same way?
Yes, diagonally, so a wider shape gives a bigger number for the same height. A 34 inch ultrawide is about as tall as a 27 inch monitor.
How do I find my monitor size?
Measure the visible screen from one corner to the opposite corner, or use our monitor size tool with a bank card. The model number on the back label also gives it away.
What PPI is good for a monitor?
Around 90 to 110 pixels per inch reads well at 100% scaling. Higher densities look sharper but need Windows scaling, which the table above lists for each size.