Understanding Monitor Resolution And Picture Size

Knowing your monitor's size is essential, whether you're a gamer, designer, or just looking for a screen that fits your desk. The size of a monitor is typically described by the length of its diagonal, measured in inches, and calculated as the distance between opposite corners. This measurement method dates back to the first CRT televisions, which had circular picture tubes. Today, the standard screen size for everyday use is 24 inches, while gamers and designers might opt for larger screens, and those with small desks might choose a 22-inch monitor.

How to measure a monitor's screen size

To measure the size of your monitor, you will need a measuring tape or a ruler.

First, you need to measure the horizontal length of your monitor screen. Place your measuring tape or ruler at the top-left corner of the screen and pull it diagonally to the bottom-right corner. Make sure you only measure the screen and do not include the bezel (the plastic edge) or frame around it.

Next, measure the vertical height of the monitor screen in the same way, excluding the frame.

Now you can multiply the length by the height to get the area size. For example, if your monitor measures 16 inches in length and 10 inches in height, the image area will be 16 x 10 = 160 square inches.

You can also use these measurements to find the aspect ratio of your monitor by comparing the length and height. Computer monitors typically have an aspect ratio of 4:3, 5:3, 16:9, or 16:10. For instance, if your monitor measures 16 inches in length and 10 inches in height, the aspect ratio is 16:10.

If you don't want to physically measure your monitor, you can also find its size by looking up the model number on the manufacturer's website or through a search engine. The model number usually includes the screen size. For example, an Acer 20-inch screen might have a model number of S201HL, where "20" after the "S" indicates the screen size.

Viewing distance and desk size

When choosing a monitor, it's important to consider the viewing distance and desk size. You'll want to ensure that you're not too close or too far away from the screen for the best display. If you're too far away, images may become unclear, and if you're too close, you may experience eye strain or discomfort.

The ideal viewing distance depends on various factors, including the size and resolution of the monitor, your field of vision, and your eyesight. A larger monitor will require you to sit further away to take in all the information on the screen, while a higher resolution will allow you to sit closer without noticing individual pixels.

As a general rule, the recommended viewing distance for a 27-inch monitor with a QHD or 4K resolution is about 80 cm to one meter (or three feet). For a 32-inch QHD monitor, the ideal distance increases slightly to 96 cm, with a maximum of 1.3 meters (4.5 feet). It's worth noting that these figures are based on recommendations from the SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) and THX, a cinematic entertainment company that certifies movie theaters.

In addition to viewing distance, you should also consider the size of your desk. A larger monitor may not fit on a smaller desk, and you'll want to ensure that your desk has enough depth to accommodate the recommended viewing distance. A 22-inch monitor is generally suitable for a small desk, while larger monitors, such as 34-inch ultrawide monitors, will require a larger desk.

When choosing a monitor, it's essential to strike a balance between size and resolution, considering your specific needs and constraints. For example, if you're a photographer or graphic designer, you may spend more time closer to the screen focusing on details, so a higher-resolution monitor with a lower minimum viewing distance would be ideal. On the other hand, if you primarily use your monitor for gaming or watching movies, you may prefer a larger screen with a lower pixel density, which can also reduce costs and improve display performance.

Aspect ratio

The aspect ratio of a monitor is the proportional relationship between the physical width and the height of the display. It is expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (x:y), where x represents the width and y the height. For example, a 23-inch by 13-inch monitor (known as a "27-inch" monitor when measured diagonally) has a 16:9 aspect ratio.

The aspect ratio of a monitor is distinct from its resolution. Resolution refers to the number of pixels on the display, expressed as the number of horizontal pixels (width) and the number of vertical pixels (height). A monitor's resolution can be calculated by multiplying its aspect ratio by the number of pixels in one dimension. For example, a 1920 x 1080 resolution monitor has a 16:9 aspect ratio because 16/9 = 1.7777777, which is approximately the value of 1920/1080.

The most common aspect ratio for monitors is 16:9, which is also the standard for high-definition displays. This aspect ratio is well-suited for modern movie and video content, as most streaming shows and movies are shot in this format. It is also convenient for work, as it allows for a more efficient workflow by reducing the need for clicking and dragging.

Other common aspect ratios include 4:3, which was the standard for televisions and computer monitors before the 2010s, and 16:10, which was common for widescreen computer monitors until 2008.

For gaming and design enthusiasts, ultrawide monitors with a 21:9 aspect ratio are available, providing 30% more screen space. Superwide monitors with a 32:9 aspect ratio are also an option, offering even more screen real estate.

When choosing a monitor, it is important to consider not only the aspect ratio but also other specifications such as resolution, refresh rate, response time, and panel type.

Screen resolution

The screen resolution of a monitor refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen, typically expressed as the number of pixels in each row and column (e.g. 1920 x 1080). It is different from the physical size of the monitor, which is usually described by the length of its diagonal, measured in inches, and is also known as the display size or viewable image size (VIS).

The size of a screen is typically given in inches, with the diagonal measurement being the standard. This is the distance between opposite corners of the screen. So, for example, a common screen size is 24 inches, which means that the diagonal measurement of the screen is 24 inches. This is different from the aspect ratio, which describes the relationship between the width and height of the screen. The most common aspect ratio is 16:9, which means that for every 16 units of width, there are 9 units of height.

When choosing a monitor, it is important to consider the screen size and resolution together. A higher resolution on a smaller screen will result in sharper images, while a lower resolution on a larger screen may result in blurry images. For example, a 24-inch monitor with a Full HD (1080p) resolution is suitable for everyday use, but a larger screen, such as 27 inches, would require a higher resolution like QHD or 4K to maintain the same level of sharpness.

Additionally, the optimal viewing distance for a screen depends on both its size and resolution. For a full HDTV resolution, the recommended viewing distance is 3.2 times the height of the screen. This ensures that the individual pixels cannot be resolved and the viewing area is maximized.

To find out the screen resolution of your monitor, if you are using a Windows operating system, you can go to the Display settings by selecting Start > Settings > System > Display. From there, you can use the drop-down menu next to "Display resolution" to view or change the resolution. It is recommended to use the suggested resolution to avoid any blurriness or pixelation.

Optimal screen size

The optimal screen size for a monitor depends on a few factors, including the user's needs, available desk space, and budget.

For most people, a monitor between 24 and 32 inches will be suitable. This size range offers a good balance between screen real estate and desk space and is suitable for various tasks, such as gaming, graphic design, video editing, programming, and general computing.

If you have limited desk space or a tight budget, a smaller monitor in the range of 22 to 24 inches can be a good option. These monitors are more affordable, energy-efficient, and ideal for basic computing tasks, web browsing, document editing, and casual media consumption. However, for gaming or media consumption, a larger size may be more comfortable.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, larger screens ranging from 34 to 49 inches are available, including ultrawide and super ultrawide options. These monitors provide a panoramic view, making them popular among gamers and professionals such as graphic designers, video editors, and programmers. However, they require ample desk space and can be more expensive.

When choosing a monitor size, it's essential to consider the resolution as well. Higher resolutions provide sharper images and more screen real estate but may require more powerful hardware to run effectively. For example, a 24-inch monitor with a 1080p resolution will offer a sharper image than a larger monitor with the same resolution.

Additionally, the aspect ratio, which describes the proportional relationship between a screen's width and height, should be considered. The most common aspect ratio is 16:9, followed by 16:10, which offers slightly more vertical space. Ultrawide monitors typically have a 21:9 aspect ratio, providing a wider field of view, while super ultrawide monitors have a 32:9 aspect ratio, giving a truly panoramic view.

In summary, the optimal screen size for a monitor depends on your specific needs and constraints. For general-purpose users, a 24- to 32-inch monitor will likely be suitable, while those with limited space or budgets may prefer a smaller screen, and those seeking an immersive experience can opt for a larger, ultrawide monitor.

Frequently asked questions