The Evolution Of Standard Monitor Sizes

The mainstream size of monitors has been increasing over the years. The most common monitor size is 24 inches, offering a good balance between screen real estate and desk space. However, 27-inch monitors are becoming more popular for both home and office use. The average computer monitor size is between 24 and 27 inches, providing enough screen space for most tasks without overwhelming smaller desks.

When it comes to resolution, the standard for most modern monitors is 1920 x 1080 pixels, also known as Full HD or 1080p. Higher resolutions like 2560 x 1440 (1440p) and 3840 x 2160 (4K) are becoming more common.

For gaming, the preferred monitor size depends on the game genre. Competitive gamers tend to prefer smaller monitors, with sizes ranging from 24 to 27 inches, while gamers who play immersive single-player games often opt for larger screens, with sizes ranging from 27 to 32 inches or even ultrawide monitors for a panoramic experience.

In addition to size and resolution, other factors to consider when choosing a monitor include available desk space, primary use, graphics card capabilities, and budget.

20-inch monitors are mainstream for general use

While 20-inch monitors are great for general use, they may not be suitable for detailed work or extended periods of use. Their smaller screen size can make detailed work more challenging and may cause eye strain over time. Therefore, they are recommended as a secondary monitor or for tasks that do not require high levels of detail.

For users seeking a larger display, 27-inch monitors are also a popular option and are considered the mainstream size for computer monitors. These monitors offer a good balance between visibility and comfort, making them suitable for various tasks such as video conferencing, gaming, and business or editing work. They provide a wide field of view and are often equipped with ergonomic features for comfortable use.

However, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a monitor size. Factors such as resolution, aspect ratio, connectivity, and additional features should also be taken into account to ensure the monitor meets your specific requirements.

21-26-inch monitors are mainstream for gaming

When it comes to monitors, there is a wide variety of options to choose from, with different sizes catering to different needs and uses. 21-26 inch monitors are considered "perfectly balanced" options, offering a good balance between visibility and comfort, making them a popular choice for gaming.

For gamers, a monitor in the 21-26 inch range strikes the right balance between size and performance. These monitors provide a wide field of view, allowing gamers to easily track enemies and items on the screen, without being too big or overwhelming. The larger screen size also reduces eye strain, making it more comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Additionally, this size range offers a good balance between screen real estate and desk space, allowing gamers to have multiple windows, tabs, and applications open simultaneously without feeling cramped.

The mainstream aspect ratio of 16:9 is commonly found in 21-26 inch monitors, making them versatile for a range of uses beyond gaming, including video watching, business use, and editing work. The resolution of these monitors is typically Full HD (1920 x 1080) or QHD (2560 x 1440), providing sharp and detailed visuals. The refresh rates vary, with some offering 60Hz, 75Hz, or 100Hz, while more advanced gaming monitors in this size range can go up to 144Hz or higher, reducing motion blur and providing a smoother gaming experience.

When it comes to response time, which is crucial for gaming, 21-26 inch monitors typically offer 1ms or 4ms response times, ensuring that fast-paced games are displayed without blurring or ghosting. Some popular options in this size range include the Acer Nitro series, the Dell P2219H, the ASUS VG27AQ, and the Samsung Odyssey G5.

Overall, 21-26 inch monitors offer a versatile and comfortable option for gaming, providing a good balance of performance, visibility, and desk space, making them a mainstream choice for gamers.

27-inch monitors are mainstream for professionals

A 27-inch monitor offers a balance between visibility and comfort. It provides ample screen space without being too overwhelming on a desk. This size is also suitable for gaming, video editing, and other multimedia tasks. Additionally, the current mainstream aspect ratio is 16:9, which is supported by many 27-inch monitors on the market.

When choosing a 27-inch monitor, consider features such as resolution, connectivity options, adjustability, and colour accuracy. For professionals, a higher resolution, such as QHD or 4K, is recommended for sharper text and images. Look for monitors with a variety of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, to ensure compatibility with different devices. An adjustable stand that allows for height, tilt, and swivel adjustments is also important for ergonomic viewing. Finally, colour accuracy is crucial for professionals in fields like graphic design and video editing, so look for monitors with accurate colour reproduction and wide colour gamuts.

Some recommended 27-inch monitors for professionals include:

• Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE)
• HP E27m G4 QHD USB-C Conferencing Monitor
• Asus ProArt Display PA278CGV
• Dell Alienware AW2725DF
• Acer Nitro XV275K P3biipruzx

1920x1080 is the most popular resolution

As of 2023, the most popular desktop display resolution worldwide was 1920x1080, also known as 1080p. This resolution accounted for over 22% of the market.

There are several reasons why 1920x1080 is the most popular resolution. Firstly, it offers great, clear image quality without requiring a top-tier computer to power it. There are also countless monitors available at this resolution, making it easy to find one that fits your budget and ticks all your boxes.

For gamers, 1080p is a sweet spot as it allows you to max out or run high graphics settings in games, especially if you have a decent gaming computer. This means you can utilise features like ray tracing to get the most out of your games.

The resolution is also perfect for general office and productivity use as the monitors are affordable and can handle almost any task. You can even get a second 1080p monitor for a dual-monitor setup without breaking the bank.

While 1920x1080 is the most popular resolution, there are times when you may want to opt for a higher resolution. If you're a gamer, a higher resolution like 2560x1440 (1440p) can offer a smoother and more immersive gaming experience, especially when paired with a higher refresh rate like 144Hz.

For productivity tasks, a higher resolution can be beneficial if you're using tools like graphics editing software, as text appears more crisp and reading content becomes easier, reducing eye strain.

If you're creating content in 4K, such as YouTube videos, a 4K display is critical so you can edit and view your videos at the full resolution. Colour accuracy is important for video production, so choosing a monitor with great colour accuracy at 4K is essential.

For media consumption, a 4K display can provide a stunning viewing experience, especially with most content now available in 4K on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney Plus.

The Bottom Line

While 1920x1080 is the most popular resolution, it's important to choose the right resolution for your specific needs. If you're a gamer or content creator, you may benefit from a higher resolution. However, for general office and productivity use, 1920x1080 is often more than sufficient and offers a cost-effective option without compromising on image quality.

16:9 is the most common aspect ratio

The aspect ratio of a monitor is the ratio of its width to its height. The 16:9 aspect ratio is found on monitors with a wide range of features and capabilities. For example, Dell offers monitors with this aspect ratio that have 4K UHD resolution, height adjustability, integrated speakers, and more.

Monitors with a 16:9 aspect ratio are also available from many other brands, including Samsung, HP, LG, Acer, and more. These monitors vary in size, from 20 inches to 39 inches, and offer a range of resolutions, including FHD 1080p, QHD 1440p, and 4K UHD 2160p.

The 16:9 aspect ratio is popular because it offers a balance between the ease of viewing and the screen size. These monitors are suitable for a wide range of uses, including video conferencing, gaming, business use, and editing work.

Frequently asked questions