Finding The Right Monitor: Adjusting To Eye-Level

Knowing your monitor's size is crucial for several reasons. It can help you determine the quality of your viewing experience, ensure you have the right setup, and inform your decision when buying or upgrading your monitor. The size of your monitor is typically measured diagonally, from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner, excluding the bezel or frame. This measurement is usually given in inches. You can manually measure your monitor's size using a tape measure or ruler, or you can check your monitor's specifications or documentation. Additionally, online tools can detect your monitor's size based on the number of pixels they identify on your screen.

How to manually measure your monitor

To manually measure your monitor, you will need a measuring tape or a ruler. It is recommended to use a measuring tape made of cloth, without any metal parts, to avoid scratching the screen. Make sure your measuring tool has imperial inch measurements, as monitor sizes are usually given in inches.

To start, place the tape measure at the top left corner of your screen. Extend it diagonally to the bottom-right corner of the screen. If you start from the top right, pull it straight to the bottom left. Make sure you only measure the screen itself, excluding the bezel or the plastic case around the screen. The number at the end of the tape measure is your monitor size.

If you are using a piece of string or paper instead, make sure to draw it taut. Mark the point where it stretches the diagonal length of the screen, then measure from that point to the starting point using a ruler.

If you want to measure the display's surface area, multiply the width of the screen by its height. The resulting number is the total surface area.

You can also use the Pythagorean theorem to determine the diagonal length of the screen. Measure the width and height of the screen, square these numbers, add them together, then find the square root of the sum. This will give you the diagonal measurement, which is the screen size.

How to find your monitor size on Windows

There are a few ways to find out your monitor size on Windows.

Using Display Settings

Right-click on your desktop and select "Display Settings". Under "Scale and Layout", click on "Advanced Scaling Settings", then click on "Advanced sizing of text and other items". This will open the Control Panel's "Screen Resolution" settings, where you can find the diagonal measurement of your screen. This is usually listed in inches, such as "24 inches" or "27 inches".

Using the Model Number

The model number of your monitor usually includes the size of the monitor. For example, an Acer 20-inch screen could have a model number of S201HL, where the "20" after the "S" indicates the size.

Physically Measuring the Screen

Turn off your monitor and unplug it from its power source. Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the distance from the top-left corner of your screen to the bottom-right corner. Be sure to measure the screen diagonally, and do not include the bezel (the plastic edge) in your measurement.

Using the Command Prompt

Open the command prompt and type in the following:

> wmic path Win32_DesktopMonitor get /format:list

> wmic path Win32_VideoController get /format:list

> wmic path CIM_VideoControllerResolution get /format:list

Using the EDID Data

Monitors send EDID data, which contains information about the display, including its physical dimensions. You can use a program to read this information from the Windows registry.

Using the Display Resolution

While this won't give you the exact size of your monitor, you can use your display resolution to calculate the diagonal screen size using the following formula:

> Diagonal screen size = √(height^2 + width^2)

For example, if your monitor has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and an aspect ratio of 16:9, the diagonal screen size would be:

> Diagonal screen size = √(1080^2 + 1920^2) / 96 = 21.5 inches

How to find your monitor size on a Mac

There are a few ways to find your monitor size on a Mac.

Firstly, you can use the following steps to find your monitor size through your system settings:

• Click on the Apple logo on the top left corner of your screen.
• Click on "About This Mac".
• In the window that pops up, click on the "System Report" button at the bottom.
• In the "System Report" window, scroll down to the "Graphics/Displays" section and click on it.
• Here, you will find a list of all the displays connected to your Mac, including internal and external ones. Click on the display you want to check the size of.
• In the display's information window, you will see the resolution listed under "Resolution".
• To find the diagonal measurement of your screen (which is the standard way of expressing monitor size), you will need to use a formula that takes into account both the resolution and the aspect ratio of your monitor. The formula is: Diagonal screen size = √(height^2 + width^2).

Alternatively, if you don't have access to your system settings, you can manually measure your monitor size using a tape measure or ruler. Here's how:

• Turn off your monitor and unplug it from any power source.
• Measure the distance from the top-left corner of your screen to the bottom-right corner, moving diagonally.
• Note the measurement in centimetres or inches.

Please note that the first method is more accurate, as it gives you the precise diagonal measurement of your monitor, whereas the second method relies on manual measurement, which may be less precise.

How to find your monitor size online

Knowing your monitor size is important for several reasons. It can help you determine the quality of your viewing experience, ensure you have the right setup, and make informed decisions when buying or upgrading your monitor. Here's how you can find your monitor size online:

Checking Your Monitor Size on Windows:

• Right-click on your desktop and select "Display Settings" from the context menu.
• Click on "Advanced Display Settings" and then "Advanced scaling settings" under "Scale and Layout."
• On the Advanced scaling settings page, click on "Advanced sizing of text and other items."
• This will open the Control Panel's "Screen Resolution" settings, where you can find a diagram of your monitor(s) with their resolutions listed underneath.
• To find your monitor size, look for the diagonal measurement, typically listed in inches (e.g., "24 inches" or "27 inches").
• If you can't find the diagonal measurement, you can calculate it using your monitor's resolution and aspect ratio. Use the formula: Diagonal screen size = √(height^2 + width^2).

Checking Your Monitor Size on Mac:

• Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "About This Mac."
• In the window that opens, click on "System Report" at the bottom.
• In the System Report window, scroll down to the "Graphics/Displays" section and click on it.
• Here, you'll find a list of all the displays connected to your Mac, including internal and external. Click on the display you want to check.
• In the display's information window, you'll see the resolution listed under "Resolution."
• To find the diagonal measurement of your screen, use the resolution and aspect ratio of your monitor with the formula: Diagonal screen size = √(height^2 + width^2).

Manually Measuring Your Monitor Size:

If you prefer a hands-on approach or don't have access to your computer's settings, you can manually measure your monitor size using a tape measure or ruler:

• Turn off your monitor and unplug it from any power source.
• Measure the distance from the top-left corner of your screen to the bottom-right corner diagonally.
• Note the measurement in centimetres or inches.
• If you want to know the exact dimensions, separately measure the height and width of the screen.

Tips for Accurate Measurements:

• Measure the screen diagonally for the most accurate monitor size.
• If your monitor has a bezel, measure from the inside of the frame for a more accurate measurement of the visible screen area.
• Use a straight edge like a ruler or cardboard for accurate and straight measurements.
• Measure the screen at its widest point to ensure you capture the full diagonal.
• Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy.

Why is knowing your monitor size useful?

Knowing your monitor size is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you determine the quality of your viewing experience. A larger monitor generally means more pixels, resulting in a sharper and more detailed image. This is particularly important for tasks such as graphic design, photo or video editing, and other visually demanding work. A larger display can significantly improve the clarity and detail of your work, enabling you to see small details and work more efficiently.

Another advantage of knowing your monitor size is that it ensures you have the right setup for your needs. For example, if you're a gamer, you may prefer a larger monitor for a more immersive experience. On the other hand, if you're a writer or programmer, a smaller monitor may help you focus better on your tasks.

Additionally, knowing your monitor size is crucial when buying or upgrading your equipment. Understanding the size of your current monitor can help you choose a replacement that suits your specific requirements. By selecting the right monitor size, you can save time and money, avoiding the hassle of returning a monitor that doesn't fit your workspace.

Furthermore, knowing your monitor size allows you to adjust your display settings for optimal viewing. You can modify the resolution, scaling, aspect ratio, brightness, contrast, and colour settings to enhance your visual experience and reduce eye strain.

Lastly, monitor size plays a role in selecting compatible accessories. Certain monitor stands, wall mounts, and screen protectors are designed for specific monitor sizes. Knowing the size of your monitor ensures that you choose accessories that fit properly and provide the desired functionality and protection.

Frequently asked questions