A little clarity on size.
The terms you’ll meet when measuring a room, reading a TV specification, or comparing screens.
- Diagonal
- The straight-line distance between opposite corners of the visible screen. The 55-inch or 65-inch size label refers to a diagonal, not the width.
- Size class
- A rounded size label used for a product range. The actual visible diagonal can be slightly different. Our calculators treat the entered diagonal as exact.
- Aspect ratio
- The relationship between screen width and height. A 16:9 screen has 16 units of width for every 9 units of height.
- Bezel
- The frame surrounding the visible display. A calculated screen width excludes the bezel.
- Body dimensions
- The outside width, height, and depth of the TV. Check whether the manufacturer’s figures include or exclude the stand.
- Stand footprint
- The surface area needed to fully support the TV’s feet or pedestal, including their front-to-back depth. This is separate from screen size.
- Viewing distance
- The distance from your seated eyes to the screen plane. Measure to the screen itself, not simply to the wall.
- Horizontal viewing angle
- How much of your horizontal field of view the screen occupies. At the same distance, a wider screen creates a larger angle.
- Resolution
- The number of pixels in the image or display. Resolution affects fine detail, but it does not change a screen’s physical dimensions.
- Clearance
- Space required around a product for ventilation, access, connections, or installation. Use the requirements for the exact TV and mount.
- VESA mounting pattern
- The horizontal and vertical spacing of the mounting holes, usually stated in millimeters. Pattern compatibility alone does not confirm the mount’s load capacity, screw requirements, or suitability.
- Screen center height
- The distance from the floor to the middle of the visible screen. Mount hardware can sit above or below this point.
- Screen area
- The visible width multiplied by the visible height. With the same aspect ratio, area changes with the square of the diagonal.
- Packaged dimensions
- The outside dimensions of the shipping box. These are useful for planning transport and may be much larger than the TV itself.