What size TV do I need?
Too small and everyone squints. Too big and it feels like sitting in the front row at the movies. Here's how to get it just right in about two minutes.
First, how are TVs measured?
TV sizes are measured from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner, in inches. One inch is about 2.5 cm. So a 55 inch TV is about 140 cm corner to corner.
That number is not the width. The width is smaller. Use this table to check it fits your wall or cabinet. Add a little for the frame.
| TV size | About this wide |
|---|---|
| 32 inch | 71 cm |
| 43 inch | 95 cm |
| 50 inch | 111 cm |
| 55 inch | 122 cm |
| 65 inch | 144 cm |
| 75 inch | 166 cm |
The distance chart
Measure from the couch, bed or seats to where the TV will go.
| Distance to the TV | Good TV size |
|---|---|
| Under 1.5 metres | 32 to 43 inch |
| 1.5 to 2 metres | 43 to 50 inch |
| 2 to 2.5 metres | 55 inch |
| 2.5 to 3 metres | 65 inch |
| Over 3 metres | 75 inch or bigger |
TV size calculator
How high should it go?
Put the middle of the screen at eye level when you're sitting down. A TV hung up high, like above a fireplace, is a quick way to get a sore neck.
Jargon buster
| Pixels | The tiny dots that make the picture. More dots means a sharper picture. |
|---|---|
| 4K or UHD | A screen with about 8 million dots. That's four times more than Full HD, so it stays sharp even on a big screen. |
| LED | The most common type. A light behind the screen makes the picture glow. |
| QLED | An LED TV with an extra layer for brighter, richer colours. |
| OLED | Every dot makes its own light. Amazing blacks, but it costs more. |
| Smart TV | Has apps like YouTube and Netflix built in. It needs Wi-Fi. |
| Hotel mode | Locks the settings so guests can't change them. |
| HDMI | The plug for cables from things like a Sky box or laptop. |
| VESA | The pattern of screw holes on the back. Your wall bracket has to match it. |
Which size suits you?
Check before you buy
- The distance from the seats to the wall.
- How wide the wall or cabinet is.
- The wall type, if you're mounting it: gib, block or brick.
- A power point and Wi-Fi or an aerial near the spot.
- Who uses the remote. Guests? Then you want hotel mode.
Mistakes to avoid
- Thinking 55 inches is the width. It's corner to corner.
- Forgetting the stand. Some stands are nearly as wide as the TV.
- Buying a bracket that doesn't match the TV's screw holes.
- Mounting it way too high.
Questions people ask
How is TV size measured?
From one corner of the screen to the opposite corner, in inches. One inch is about 2.5 cm.
What size TV for a motel room?
Usually 32 to 43 inches. Most motel rooms are small, so people sit close to the screen.
Is a bigger TV always better?
No. If you sit too close to a huge screen, you have to move your eyes and head to follow the action. Use the distance chart to get it right.
Do I need a special bracket?
Your bracket needs to match the screw hole pattern on the back of the TV, called VESA, and hold its weight. Tell us the TV model and we will match one.
Know what you need? Or still not sure?
Either way, send us what you've got. We'll come back with options that fit, and explain them in plain English.
More buying guides or see our TV range.