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How to Measure a TV

Calculator + chartEnter your measurements below and it works the answer out.

A TV is measured diagonally, corner to corner across the screen only, not the frame. A "55-inch" TV is about 48 inches wide and 27 inches tall. Enter a diagonal to get width and height, or enter the width you measured to find the size.

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Common TV sizes: screen and overall

Size (diagonal)Screen widthScreen heightTypical overall width
32 in27.9 in15.7 in28.7–29.5 in
43 in37.5 in21.1 in38.3–39.5 in
50 in43.6 in24.5 in44.4–45.5 in
55 in47.9 in27.0 in48.7–49.5 in
65 in56.7 in31.9 in57.5–58.5 in
75 in65.4 in36.8 in66.2–67.5 in
85 in74.1 in41.7 in75–76.5 in

Screen figures are exact for 16:9. Overall width depends on the frame; measure the TV you are buying for a tight cabinet.

How this was worked out

Every modern TV is 16:9, so width = diagonal × 0.8716 and height = diagonal × 0.4903. The calculator applies those and, for a cabinet or wall bracket, adds the frame on each side.

From a measurement to a size: diagonal = width ÷ 0.8716, or height ÷ 0.4903, then rounded to the nearest size that is sold (32, 40, 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85).

Measuring the diagonal yourself: from the top-left corner of the picture to the bottom-right corner of the picture, tape held flat against the glass. Do not include the frame — that is why a measured TV usually comes out half an inch under its advertised size.

Sources. 16:9 geometry (width = 16/√337 of the diagonal, height = 9/√337). Retail sizes are the US size classes; frame widths are typical ranges across current models. Last reviewed 28 August 2026.

Common questions

How do you measure a TV?

Diagonally, corner to corner across the screen, not including the frame. A tape from the top-left corner of the picture to the bottom-right corner gives the size class.

How wide is a 55-inch TV?

The screen is 47.9 inches wide and 27 inches tall. With the frame, most 55-inch TVs are 48.5 to 49.5 inches wide.

Is the TV size the screen or the whole TV?

The screen. The advertised size is the picture diagonal, and it is often rounded — a "65-inch" TV may measure 64.5 inches.

How do I know what size TV fits my stand?

Measure the stand width, subtract at least 2 inches, and use the overall-width column above; a TV can overhang a stand, but its feet must sit on it.

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