How to Measure a Flat Screen TV

Co-authored by Jocotra Cathey

Last Updated: July 8, 2025 References

Measuring Screen Size

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Measuring Height, Width, and Depth

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Tips

You have your beautiful flat screen television, but you need to know its measurements. Maybe you want to know the screen size so you can brag to your friends. Maybe you need to know your TV's height, width, and depth to figure out where to mount it, or to buy a TV stand. Whatever’s motivating you, measuring your TV is an easy skill to learn.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Measuring Screen Size

Make sure to start measuring where the screen begins. Do not include the frame, also called bezel, of the TV.^{[1]
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Jocotra Cathey
TV Mounting Service Expert

Expert Interview}^{[2]
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The tape measure should be extended diagonally across your TV screen. Make sure to not include the TV frame on the other side either.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Jocotra Cathey
TV Mounting Service Expert

Expert Interview}^{[4]
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Record the length between these two corners. This is the screen's size. TV screens are sold and advertised with this diagonal length, so it’s helpful to know how big your screen is in the diagonal dimension.^{[5]
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- Large flatscreen TVs for living rooms are generally 50-65 inches (127-165 cm). This means they have a diagonal length of 50-65 inches.
- Smaller flatscreen TVs for kitchens or bedrooms are generally 24-32 inches (61-81 cm), again across the diagonal. ^{[6]
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- Knowing the screen size can help you figure out where to mount your TV for optimal viewing. For instance, a 55’’ TV should be mounted around 61 inches from the floor to the center of the TV.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Measuring Height, Width, and Depth

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Measure the height from the lower left corner of the TV to the upper left corner. Include the frame, or bezel, on both sides.^{[7]
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Research source} Knowing the height is useful for figuring out where in the room your TV will fit.
- Knowing the height is helpful if you're buying a cover to protect your TV for moving and shipping.^{[8]
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Measure the width from the lower left corner to the lower right corner of the TV. Again, be sure to include the bezel on both sides. Knowing the depth is important if you're buying a stand for your TV.^{[9]
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- Many TV stands and cabinets will include information about how wide and deep of a TV they can handle.
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Measure the depth of the TV from front to back. The front is the side with the screen, and the back is the side that faces the wall. The distance in between is the depth of your TV.
- Do not include in your measurement any stand that might be attached to your TV.^{[10]
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- Now you've measured all of the dimensions of your flat screen TV!
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Tips

A tape measure will be the easiest tool to measure with, but if you don’t have one, a measuring stick will do.

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Make sure you are writing down your measurements in the right units (inches or centimeters) depending on what you need the measurements for.

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