Many people believe that you can simply look at the advertised screen size of a new TV to figure out if it will a good fit right for your designated room. However, the advertised size is usually not the actual size of the TV. In this article, we will show you how to measure a TV so you can get a more accurate reading, so you can place it in your room with confidence.

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How to measure a TV

TV screen sizes

The most important part of how to measure a TV is figuring out its screen size. In this case, TV manufacturers measure screen sizes diagonally, from one top corner of the display on one side to the bottom corner on the opposite side.

However, it’s not quite that simple. If you see a new TV that is advertised as having a “55-inch” display, it’s very possible that the actual display size could have as much as a half of an inch difference. For example, a TV that has a 55-inch label could be as small as 54.5 inches. That’s because the TV maker could include the frame and bezel measurement of the TV in its advertised size.

Usually, makers of most new TVs include the actual display size in its official specs. If you find a TV you like on an online site like Amazon, we would recommend trying to find those specs online on their store page. If you happen to be in a store like Best Buy, Walmart, or Target and find a TV you like, we would also recommend bringing along a tape measure to get a more accurate measurement.

You can also use the tape measure to discover a TV display’s height and width, which are always smaller than the diagonal display size. Also, almost all smart TVs have a 16:9 screen ratio, mainly because most TV shows use that ratio. There have been a few attempts over the years to sell TVs with a 21:9 aspect ratio, which is the same that is used in most theatrical films. However, they have since been discontinued due to low sales, although some large PC monitors are available with 21:9 ratios.

TV frame sizes

As we mentioned, TV makers sometimes combine display sizes and frame or bezel sizes on their televisions to get to their advertised size. Some TVs have bigger frames and bezels than others. Older flat-screen TVs usually have much larger bezels compared to new smart TVs. Indeed, some high-end smart televisions barely have a frame or bezel at all. Again, when you want to measure a TV, make sure you check out the official specs (if available) which could reveal the frame size as well as the display size. It’s always good to have a tape measure if you are shopping in a brick-and-mortar store for a new TV to get accurate sizes.

Stand sizes

If you are not going to mount your new big-screen TV on your wall, you will also need to get some measurements on the stand for that television. Some stands are placed in the middle of the TV’s bottom frame, and others have legs that are placed on each side. Some of these stand setups can raise the height of a TV by as much as 3 inches. Some TV manufacturers make that choice because some consumers want to put a soundbar just below the TV.

Again, your best friend in this situation is your handy tape measure. You can go into a store, measure the height of the TV with the included stand set up, and figure out if it will fit on your TV table or inside your entertainment center. It’s recommended that you have at least two inches of space between your TV and any framed space in your entertainment center. That includes the depth of your new television.

Room sizes

Whether you have a table to place your TV, or if you want to mount it on a wall, you want to make sure you have a big enough TV so when you sit down to watch your favorite show, you get the best experience. If you are in a living room or bedroom, take a tape measure to find the distance between your wall or table and your sofa, chair, or bed. Divide that distance by two, and that should be the best screen size for your TV. So if there is 10 feet between your sofa and your wall or TV table, you will want at least a 60-inch TV.

However, you can certainly get a much bigger TV if you want a more immersive experience, and you can also move your sofa, chair, or bed to get closer to your TV if you have a smaller television. In the end, the final placement takes a little bit of guesswork. However, if you measure a TV and your room size accurately, you can get a pretty good idea of how it will finally look when you set the TV up.