How to Measure Laptop Screen Size: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
Trying to figure out your laptop’s screen size? It’s actually pretty simple once you know the right way to do it. Lots of people get confused—measuring width or height instead of the diagonal, including the bezel by mistake, or not knowing what units to use. If that’s you, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through everything carefully, so by the end, you’ll be a pro at measuring your laptop screen size the correct way.
Understanding Laptop Screen Size
First off, what exactly does laptop screen size mean? It’s not about how wide or tall your screen is. The industry standard for screen size is the diagonal measurement of the visible display area—that means the actual screen you see, not the plastic frame or bezel around it. According to Samsung Display Solutions, measuring that diagonal length from one corner of the active screen to the opposite corner gives you the laptop’s screen size [1].
This diagonal length is usually given in inches, especially in the United States, though centimeters are common in Europe and Asia [2]. Typical laptop screens you’ll see range from 11 inches to 17 inches diagonally, with popular sizes including 13.3″, 14″, and 15.6″ [3].
Why measure diagonally? Because laptops come in different aspect ratios—like 16:9, 16:10, or 3:2—and measuring diagonally provides a consistent size regardless of width or height differences [7]. Many beginners get thrown off because they try measuring horizontally or vertically instead of diagonally, but if you do that, you won’t get the right screen size according to industry norms [6].
Tools Needed to Measure Your Laptop Screen
You don’t need anything fancy. Here are some common tools that will get the job done:
| Tool | Description | Measurement Units Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Ruler | A rigid, straight edge with clear markings | Inches and centimeters |
| Tape Measure | A flexible measuring tape, often retractable | Inches and centimeters |
| Measuring Tape | Cloth or plastic tape, flexible for easy handling | Inches and centimeters |
Each of these tools works well for measuring laptop screens because they have both inch and centimeter markings. Just make sure the markings are clear and easy to read so you can be accurate [4].
Step-by-Step Guide to Measure Laptop Screen Size
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step method that anyone can follow.
1. Gather Your Tools and Prepare Your Laptop
Grab a ruler, tape measure, or measuring tape—whichever you find easiest. Make sure the markings are visible. Also, turn off your laptop and clean the screen so you can clearly see the edges of the active display area. This helps avoid accidentally including the bezel or casing in your measurement.
2. Identify the Visible Display Area
Look closely at your screen. The active display is the area that actually shows images—this is usually glossy or matte and is surrounded by a plastic or metal bezel. Remember, the bezel is not part of the screen size even though it frames the display [5].
3. Position Your Measuring Tool
Place your ruler or tape measure so that it stretches from the bottom-left corner of the visible display area to the top-right corner. You can also go the other way around (top-left to bottom-right), but make sure it’s diagonal across the screen.
4. Measure the Diagonal Length
Hold your measuring tool steady and note the measurement right at the point where your ruler or tape reaches the opposite corner of the visible screen. This number is your laptop’s screen size.
5. Record the Measurement
Write down the measurement in inches or centimeters, whichever you prefer or matches your regional standard. For example, many laptops specify sizes as 15.6″, but if you’re in Europe, you might want to convert that to roughly 39.6 cm.
6. Double-Check Your Work
It never hurts to measure twice. Double-checking helps ensure you didn’t accidentally include the bezel or misread the tool. If your numbers don’t match on a second try, measure again until you get consistent results.
Common Questions and Clarifications
When it comes to measuring laptop screens, some doubts pop up regularly. Let’s clear them up now.
Should I Include the Bezel When Measuring My Laptop Screen Size?
No, you shouldn’t. The bezel is the frame around your screen and doesn’t display any image. Laptop manufacturers measure only the active display area, excluding the bezel, when stating screen size [5].
Why Do I Need to Measure Diagonally Instead of Width or Height?
Measuring diagonally is the industry standard because it accounts for different aspect ratios. A screen with the same diagonal length can have very different widths and heights depending on the aspect ratio (like 16:9 versus 3:2). Diagonal measurement gives you a consistent way to compare screen sizes across different models [6][7].
What Tools Do I Need to Measure My Laptop Screen Accurately?
A simple ruler or tape measure with clear inch or centimeter marks will do the trick. You don’t need anything special or expensive. Just make sure the measuring tape is flexible enough to span the diagonal comfortably [4].
Can I Use Centimeters Instead of Inches To Measure My Screen?
Yes, you can. While inches are more common in US-based laptop specs, centimeters are widely used elsewhere, especially in Europe and Asia. Just be sure to be consistent and convert the measurement correctly if you need to compare sizes internationally [2].
Quick Checklist Before You Start
- Gather a ruler or tape measure with clear markings.
- Make sure your laptop is powered off and screen is clean.
- Measure diagonally from the bottom-left to the top-right (or top-left to bottom-right) of the visible display area.
- Exclude bezels and casing from your measurement.
- Record your measurement in inches or centimeters.
- Double-check your work for accuracy.
Real-World Example
Imagine you have a laptop and want to know if its screen matches the specs listed online. You grab a measuring tape and carefully stretch it from the bottom-left corner of the screen (not the frame) to the top-right corner. It reads 15.6 inches. Perfect—this matches a common laptop screen size, often used for everyday work or gaming laptops [3].
But what if you mistakenly measured the width? Say, the width reads 13.6 inches, and the height is 7.6 inches. If you just added them up or chose the larger number, you’d be off. That’s why the diagonal measurement is critical and the accepted method in the industry [6].
Final Thoughts
Measuring your laptop’s screen size is easy once you understand the diagonal measurement rule and avoid including the bezel. Use a simple ruler or tape measure, be consistent with units, and take your time. Now you can confidently know if your laptop’s display matches the specs or decide if you want a bigger or smaller screen next time you shop.
Remember: screen size doesn’t tell you everything—resolution, panel type, and aspect ratio also matter when choosing a laptop. But starting with an accurate screen size measurement is a solid first step!
References
[1] According to Samsung Display Solutions, laptop screen size is defined as the diagonal measurement of the visible display area, excluding bezels and casing. https://displaysolutions.samsung.com/monitor/measure-screen-size
[2] The diagonal measurement is usually given in inches in the consumer electronics industry, though centimeters can be used depending on region. https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/how-to-measure-your-tv-screen/
[3] Typical laptop screen sizes: 11″, 13.3″, 14″, 15.6″, 17″. https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/laptop-screen-sizes-explained
[4] Common tools to measure laptop screens include a ruler, tape measure, or measuring tape with clear inch or centimeter markings. https://www.techadvisor.com/how-to/pc-components/how-measure-laptop-screen-size-3797951/
[5] Bezels are not included because they are not part of the visible display area. https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000132349/how-to-measure-laptop-screen-size
[6] Measuring the screen diagonally from one visible corner to the opposite corner gives the correct size. https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00083779
[7] Screen size measurements do not account for aspect ratio, which affects width and height but not the diagonal measurement. https://www.displayspecifications.com/en/article/ba2f4c8
[8] Confusion arises because users mistakenly measure width or height instead of diagonal. https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-measure-a-tv-screen-1847373
If you follow these steps, you’ll be measuring laptop screens like a tech-savvy friend in no time—and never second-guess your screen size again.
Danny Inayat