So, you want to measure your laptop screen but aren’t quite sure where to start? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. It’s easy to get confused about the right tools to use or whether you should measure diagonally or just straight across. And what about that bezel — does it count? Plus, how do you figure out the screen resolution and aspect ratio? I’m going to walk you through it step by step, like I’m explaining it to a friend over coffee.
Let’s get you confidently measuring your laptop screen by the end of this.
What Tools Do You Need to Measure a Laptop Screen Accurately?
First things first: grab the right tools. You don’t want to eyeball it and end up with the wrong number, which happens way more often than you’d think.
Basic Tools You’ll Need:
- A ruler or measuring tape: Ideally one that has millimeters or at least centimeters for more precision. A soft measuring tape (like the kind used for sewing) works well if you don’t have a metal one.
- A notepad and pen (or your phone): To jot down measurements.
- Optional: A level or flat surface to keep your laptop steady — it helps if your desk is cluttered.
Pro tip: Avoid using a regular kitchen ruler with only inch marks if you want to be precise. Laptop screens are measured in inches, but millimeters give you a finer scale.
Should You Measure the Screen Diagonally or Horizontally?
This is where many people get tripped up. You might assume measuring the width or height makes sense, but nope — laptop screen sizes are measured diagonally.
Why? Because manufacturers measure from one corner of the actual viewable screen to the opposite corner, ignoring the frame or bezel. This diagonal measurement gives a better sense of the screen’s overall size.
How to Measure the Screen Diagonally:
- Open your laptop and turn it on — you want the screen fully visible.
- Place your ruler or tape at the top-left corner of the viewable screen (not the bezel).
- Stretch it diagonally down to the bottom-right corner of the viewable screen.
- Read the measurement — that number is your laptop screen size.
For example, if you measure 15.6 inches diagonally, that’s your laptop size (you’ll often see laptops labeled as 13″, 15.6″, or 17″).
If you only measure horizontally (width), you might get 13.5 inches, which is technically correct for width, but not the size manufacturers use. So always go diagonal.
Does the Bezel Count Towards the Screen Size?
Short answer: No, the bezel doesn’t count.
The bezel is the border around your screen — it can be thick or super thin depending on the laptop model. When you measure, only the actual display area counts, not the plastic or metal frame.
This is important because many beginners accidentally include the bezel and wind up with bigger sizes than the screen actually is.
Why does this matter? Imagine buying a laptop advertised as 15.6 inches, but when you measure including the bezel, it might look close to 17 inches. That’s wrong and will mess up any screen protector purchases or accessories.
How Do I Measure the Screen Resolution and Aspect Ratio?
Now that you know how big your screen is, you might want to figure out how sharp it is and its shape. That’s where resolution and aspect ratio come in.
Screen Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels displayed on the screen. It’s usually written as width x height, like 1920 x 1080 (which is Full HD).
How to Find Your Screen Resolution:
- On Windows: Right-click the desktop → Display settings → Look under “Display resolution.”
- On Mac: Apple menu → About This Mac → Displays.
- Or: Google your laptop model’s specs online for exact details.
Aspect Ratio
This is the ratio of the screen’s width to its height. For example:
– 16:9 is the most common wide-screen ratio (standard HD, Full HD).
– 16:10 or 3:2 ratios offer a bit taller screen, better for productivity.
You can calculate it yourself if you have the width and height (in inches or pixels):
Aspect ratio = Width / Height
Reduce that fraction to simplest terms. For instance, if your screen is 13.3 inches wide and 7.5 inches tall:
13.3 ÷ 7.5 ≈ 1.77, which corresponds roughly to 16:9 (1.78).
Step-by-Step: Measuring Your Laptop Screen Like a Pro
Let’s put it all together in an easy checklist you can follow right now.
| Step | What To Do | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather your tools: ruler/tape, notebook, level (optional) | Use a soft measuring tape for flexibility around bezels |
| 2 | Power on your laptop and open it fully | You want a completely visible screen |
| 3 | Ignore the bezel, focus only on the actual screen display | The bezel isn’t part of the measurement |
| 4 | Measure diagonally: top-left corner to bottom-right corner | Hold the tape/ruler tight for an accurate read |
| 5 | Note the diagonal measurement in inches | That’s your screen size! |
| 6 | Check your screen resolution: through system settings or online specs | Helps understand screen sharpness |
| 7 | Calculate aspect ratio: divide width by height | Confirm your screen’s shape |
Common Pain Points and How to Avoid Them
Confusion About Including the Bezel in Measurements
Remember: The bezel is just a frame — it doesn’t count for size. If you’re buying screen protectors or cases, this makes all the difference.
Measuring Diagonally vs Horizontally
Many people try to measure width because it feels easier, but it’s not the correct size metric. Always measure diagonally for the official screen size.
Lack of Proper Tools
Don’t use kitchen rulers or guess with your fingers. A simple sewing tape or a plastic ruler with clear markings works best. If you’re missing a good ruler, try downloading a ruler app on your phone—it can be surprisingly accurate when calibrated.
FAQ About Measuring Laptop Screens
Q: Can I measure the screen from inside the bezel edge?
No, measure from the actual viewable screen edges. The bezel is the frame around it and doesn’t count.
Q: What if my laptop has a curved or rounded screen?
Measure diagonally from the visible corners ignoring curve edges as best you can. If uncertain, check the model specs online.
Q: How do I measure a touchscreen?
Same rules apply. Measure the diagonal of the active display area (not the bezel).
Q: Why don’t manufacturers just list width and height instead of diagonal?
Diagonal measurement is a standard across the industry, making it easier to compare sizes across brands.
Wrapping It Up
In the end, measuring your laptop screen isn’t rocket science — but you do need to be precise about what you’re measuring, and how. Use a ruler or tape, measure diagonally, and ignore the bezel. Then, check your screen resolution and calculate the aspect ratio to really know your display inside out.
Next time you shop for a laptop or accessories, you’ll already know exactly what size your screen really is — no guesswork needed.
And if you’re still unsure, remember: just look up the exact model specs online. Manufacturers always list official screen size, resolution, and aspect ratio.
Happy measuring!
References
[1] According to LaptopMag, laptop screens are measured diagonally across the viewable area, excluding bezels (https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/does-bezel-size-matter).
[2] According to How-To Geek, screen resolution and aspect ratio can be found in system settings and are essential for understanding display sharpness (https://www.howtogeek.com/212661/what-is-screen-resolution/).
[3] According to Digital Trends, not including the bezel in screen measurements prevents confusion when buying screen protectors and accessories (https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/why-laptop-screen-sizes-are-measured-diagonally/).
Danny Inayat