TVs come in all different sizes, but there are some TV screen sizes that are more common than others. When shopping for a TV, you may see a lot more options in these sizes. These TV screen sizes range from the moderate to the extremely large. Which size you choose will depend on your budget, your room, and your personal preference for TV size.
First, it’s important to know how TV screen size is measured. The advertised screen size of a TV is the length of the TV measured diagonally. This means a 32 inch TV is actually 27.9 inches in width and 15.7 inches in height, making the screen a total of 439.6 square inches.
Additionally, remember that a flat screen HDTV has more actual viewing room than older TVs. That’s because flat screen TVs today are shaped differently than old TVs. Today’s TVs are longer, creating a more rectangular shape. Older TVs, on the other hand, were closer to a perfect square, with the width and height being almost the same.
Now, let’s examine some of the most common and popular TV screen sizes for today’s modern flat screen HDTVs.
24 inches
24 inches is one of the smallest sizes available for a TV. The main advantage to this small TV size is that they’re extremely inexpensive. Even a nice LED TV will often cost under $150 if it’s only 24 inches.
A 24 inch TV can be great as a second TV in another room, such as a kitchen. Though you won’t be able to watch a 24 inch TV from far away, it’s an inexpensive option and doesn’t take up much space.
28 inches
The next common size up from 24 inches is the 28 inch TV screen. A 28 inch TV screen is better suited for a living room as a primary TV than something smaller. It can be seen from a slightly farther distance and provides a better picture quality.
28 inches is a great size for an extra TV in a bedroom, too. It’s big enough to enjoy watching movies or high definition TV shows, but it’s not so big that it becomes the focal point of the room.
32 inches
A 32 inch TV is a decent sized TV for a small living room. While many people prefer larger TV screens, a 32 inch TV is big enough to watch from a distance of a few feet. It’s an ideal size for a small space, such as a studio apartment or a dorm room where you plan to sit close to the TV.
Remember, your TV can be a focal point in your living room, and it’s something guests will be looking at often. Choosing the right TV stand can tie your whole room together and make a modern electronic appliance look right at home in any room.
42 inches
42 inches is a popular in-between size for TV screens. It’s not quite big enough for most living rooms, but a 42 inch TV may be too expensive or too large for other rooms. With a 42 inch TV screen, you can sit a comfortable distance from your TV set and still easily see every detail.
Those who want a slightly larger TV but don’t want to spend the money on a really big TV might enjoy a 42 inch TV. It’s just big enough to enjoy, but not so big it will break the bank to buy one.
48 inches
48 inches is one of the most popular sizes for a TV screen. There are tons of options to choose from when shopping for a 48 inch TV. You can find plenty of high quality LED TVs and even Smart TVs in the 48 inch size.
Plus, 48 inches is an excellent size for a TV screen in any living room. It’s big enough to sit across the room and still see every detail on an HDTV screen, but it should still fit in just about any living room without taking up too much space.
60+ inches
There are plenty of TVs to choose from that are 60 inches or even bigger. Most people simply don’t need a TV that’s more than 60 inches, however. A 60 inch TV screen is easy to watch even from across a long room and most provide excellent picture quality.
TV screens above 60 inches may be too big and difficult to see clearly when sitting up close. However, if you’re creating your dream home theatre, you might want something bigger, such as a 72 inch or even 80 inch TV screen.
We just bought a 55” Samsung UHD/HDR Smart TV for our living room. It just fit into the space provided for a TV in our home entertainment center which we purchased 11 years ago when we bought our first HD TV. We gave our old 42” Panasonic Plasma TV which was still like new to a relative. The new TV was a huge step up in technology and screen size. The Samsung TV was compatable with my even older 5.1 surround sound system. We are now enjoying a truly “home theater” experience!
Congratulation on the new TV and thank you for sharing with us
Enjoy the Samsung while it last ..because they normally last for 4 – 5 years before going “pop” and blank screen …
Used mine for like 7yrs together with the hometheatre and they not gone to repairs before,sometimes too it depends on how u use it
As to the comment about Samsung’s normally lasting 4-5 years – I have had mine going on 10 years now and it looks just as good today as it did on the first day I used it.
We’ve had our Samsung for 12 years and never had one problem!
Like you Karen and ET, I have a Samsung, as well as a less-used smaller Panasonic TV. I’m happy with both of them, although the Panasonic remote control causes problems: buttons hard to make work, even after a deep-clean (which I recommend for remotes every year or so – it’s amazing the difference it makes if you have been pressing ‘hard’ to make your remote do things). The Samsung is going to outlive our pets at this rate, although it’s already outlived my very dry labia, where a long-standing klamidic/gonna infection has been wreaking havocs with my snatch-tubes!
That was quite the segue and totally inappropriate.
Mofaz, you are 100% correct! Got a nice Samsung 50” LED five years ago. Control panel went out before Warranty went out. Samsung fixed for free, but WHO needs the hassle? Especially when your boob tube is in a big cabinet + shelves w/ do-dads that all have to be moved. After that component replacement; our Samsung lasted exactly 4 more years. We paid a little under $600 bucks in 2014. You all be the judge. I PERSONALLY feel that Samsung OWES me a free TV.
Sad that you felt the need to throw cold water on a purchase that Mike was obviously excited about. Sometimes it’s best to just let people enjoy the moment.
Why is it that the new tvs don’t last very long? I am used to my tube tvs last 15 or more years.
Wish I could answer this Steve; I strongly suspect cheap components. The’new’ economy pushes throw-away products; but throw away electronics? Ridiculous. I know they can do better…
What are the actual dimensions of a 60 inche TV? I want to buy a 1080p television (NOT a 4K). I’ve read that this is this size if I sit 11 feet away. Wondering if that would be too big. Also, any suggestions on 1080p TVs? Should I get a smart TV. Currently,no TV at all. And, where can I buy one? I can only find 4Ks online. Thanks
The dimensions of a 60-inch TV should be around 52.3″ x 29.4″. It’s hard to find a 60″ – 1080p now with full market 4k. If you can, go to your local stores and ask for older models.
In my opinion, with 60-inch TV, you should get a smart 4k TV because it’s not too expensive like before. So you would be able to utilize 4k content, connect to Wi-Fi and some wireless gadgets without spending on extra accessories.
Every good dog has it’s day! I’ve had one for 8 years no problem.., Another one 18 months (Dog died!). Good luck . I say, if you can’t fix it yourself, make sure you get a warranty program. Great information! Buying a 65” this time. Gg
LG TV is better,considering resolution,specially 32 and 42 inches
I would never buy T.V. unless it is a smart t.v. I have 3 at the moment all smart- t.v,s We use outside home antennas and they work very well. Saves us lots of $$$$$ per year. So always make sure It says Smart T.V. and the Roku is better than our more expensive Phillip. Even tho Phillip makes a great set.
Hi everyone my samsung 50 inch “smart” work good for 3,5 years and get black screen DON’T BUY THESE GARBAGE Feel sorry for everyone who bought it
Funny that… My 50” Samsung did exact same thing. Five measly years and.. kaput.
I have about 5.5 feet viewing distance and used a 32″ Samsung with no problem. Recently someone has given me a 40″ VIZIO which literally makes me sick when I turn it on. Is this because the five foot viewing distance is too close? Hope someone can resolve this. Is there any permanent physical damage due to this?
YES. MY MOTHERS SAMSUNG TV WENT BLANK EXACTLY AT THE END OF 5 YEARS.YOU NEVER KNOW THE SOFTWARES MIGHT BE TWEAKED TO GIVE LIFE OF ONLY 5 YEARS. THE COMPANIES NEED TO SELL RIGHT. SO, I CHANGED MY BRAND THIS TIME.
I go with you on this…maybe they were programmed to last five years.
Wow! This is so interesting. I will definitely go for the 28 Inches. It’s suitable for my Living room.
Thanks for elaborating that a 28-inch TV screen is better suited for a living room setting. I think I should look for someone who does in-home installations so I can make sure that it’s going to look right. Since I want to have a TV in my home, it would be nice if there’s one of the right size that would be just right for my living room.
What are the dimensions of a Samsung Smart 42” TV?