When shopping for a new laptop one of the first things you will notice is the screen size. Whether you are looking for a compact device for travel or a large display for design work the screen size plays a big role in both usability and portability. But how exactly are laptop screens measured and what does that measurement really mean?
This guide explains how laptop screens are measured what the numbers refer to and what else you should consider beyond just screen size.
What Does Laptop Screen Size Refer To
Laptop screen size refers to the diagonal measurement of the screen panel. This is the distance between one corner of the visible screen to the opposite corner. It is usually measured in inches and does not include the surrounding bezel or plastic frame around the display.
So when a laptop is described as having a 15.6-inch screen it means the distance from the bottom left of the screen to the top right of the screen is 15.6 inches. This is similar to how televisions and monitors are measured and is the standard unit of measurement across most electronics.
How to Measure a Laptop Screen Accurately
To measure a laptop screen manually you will need a ruler or measuring tape with inches. Start from one corner of the actual screen area not the casing. Stretch the tape diagonally to the opposite corner making sure you are only measuring the lit or display area.
If your tape measure is in centimetres you can convert the result to inches by dividing by 2.54. For example a screen that measures around 39.6 centimetres diagonally would be a 15.6-inch screen.
Avoid measuring straight across the width or height of the screen as this will give inaccurate results. Only the diagonal measurement determines the official screen size.
Aspect Ratio and Screen Dimensions
While the screen size is measured diagonally the actual width and height of the screen depend on the aspect ratio. This is the ratio between the width and height of the display.
The most common laptop aspect ratio today is 16:9 which is widescreen and suitable for watching videos or multitasking. Other aspect ratios like 16:10 or 3:2 are also becoming popular especially on productivity-focused laptops from brands like Apple Microsoft and Dell. These offer more vertical space which can be helpful for reading and document editing.
Two laptops can have the same screen size in inches but different shapes if their aspect ratios vary. For instance a 14-inch 16:9 screen will be wider and shorter than a 14-inch 3:2 screen which will appear taller and more square.
Screen Size vs Laptop Size
It is important to remember that screen size does not always reflect the total size of the laptop. Some models have thick bezels which make the overall device larger. Others feature ultra-thin bezels giving you more screen space in a smaller footprint.
This is why two laptops with the same screen size may have different dimensions weights and levels of portability. If portability is a key factor check the overall measurements in millimetres or inches as listed by the manufacturer alongside the screen size.
Common Laptop Screen Sizes
Laptops typically come in standard screen sizes such as 11.6 inch 13.3 inch 14 inch 15.6 inch and 17.3 inch. Each size serves a different type of user. Smaller sizes under 13 inches are ideal for travel and light tasks. Mid-size screens between 14 and 15.6 inches offer a balance between portability and comfort. Larger screens above 17 inches are popular for gaming video editing and other intensive tasks.
Some devices like gaming laptops or professional workstations may come with larger displays while ultraportable models focus on compact sizes.
Other Factors That Affect Screen Quality
While size is important it is not the only thing to consider when choosing a laptop screen. Resolution determines how sharp the display looks. A full HD (1920×1080) screen is the minimum you should look for today but higher resolutions like 2560×1600 or 4K offer better clarity for detailed work.
Brightness measured in nits affects visibility in different lighting conditions. Colour accuracy refresh rate and panel type (IPS TN or OLED) also influence the visual experience. Be sure to check these specifications when comparing screens even if the sizes are the same.
Conclusion
Laptop screens are measured diagonally across the visible display area in inches. This standard measurement helps you compare screen sizes easily but it is only one part of the overall picture. Aspect ratio screen resolution bezel size and panel quality all play a role in how a laptop screen looks and feels to use. Understanding how screens are measured and what the numbers represent will help you make a more informed choice when selecting your next laptop.