How to Measure a Flat Panel TV

Flat panel TVs are measured in much the same way standard TVs are.

If you have been dreaming of a large flat panel TV, you are not alone. Americans, it seems, are obsessed with buying the biggest and flashiest television they can afford so they can watch movies in the luxury of their own homes. Unfortunately, in their zeal to buy a large flat screen TV, many forget that the optimal size of the screen depends on the viewing distance. A screen that is too large for the room will not provide the viewing pleasure of a slightly smaller version as it will lose its clarity if not viewed from the proper distance.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the size of the screen from the lower left hand corner to the upper right hand corner to determine the screen size.

2. Determine the proper-size TV screen for your living room by measuring the distance from your planned seating area and the screen in inches.

3. Divide the number in Step 2 by 3 to get the proper screen size for your room. If you view TV from 60 inches (5 feet) away, you will want a TV with a screen size of 20 inches or less. Viewing from 96 inches (8 feet) would require a 32-inch screen.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Bizrate: TV Basics