GR
EN
What size TV for your viewing distance
What Size TV to Buy: Inches and Viewing Distance
A TV that is too small for your living room tires your eyes, and one that is too large for a short distance makes you keep turning your head. The right size depends on two things: how far away you sit and what resolution the TV has. Here you will find a simple table, the dimensions in centimetres and practical tips on placement.
- Measure the distance from your sofa to the TV wall before you choose a size.
- For a 4K TV, a good distance is about 1.2 to 2 times the screen's diagonal.
- In most Greek living rooms, with the sofa 2 to 3 metres away, 50 to 65 inches fit best.
- One inch is 2.54 cm. The diagonal measures the screen, not the frame.
- The centre of the screen should be roughly at eye level when you are sitting down.
Contents
How to find the right size for your distance
The simplest way is to measure, with a tape measure, the distance from where you sit to where the TV will go. Based on that distance, choose a size so the screen fills a comfortable part of your field of view, without having to turn your gaze from edge to edge.
On 4K TVs the detail is much denser than on Full HD, so you can sit closer to a bigger screen without seeing the pixels. That is why most people today buy a bigger TV than they did a few years ago, for the same living room.
Table: inches, dimensions and viewing distance
The table gives the diagonal in centimetres, the screen's width and height for a 16:9 aspect ratio, and an indicative viewing distance for a 4K TV. The TV frame usually adds a few centimetres on each side.
| Inches | Diagonal | Screen width x height | Viewing distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32" | 81 cm | 71 x 40 cm | 1.2 to 2 m |
| 43" | 109 cm | 95 x 54 cm | 1.5 to 2.3 m |
| 50" | 127 cm | 111 x 62 cm | 1.7 to 2.6 m |
| 55" | 140 cm | 122 x 68 cm | 1.9 to 2.8 m |
| 65" | 165 cm | 144 x 81 cm | 2.2 to 3.3 m |
| 75" | 190 cm | 166 x 93 cm | 2.5 to 3.8 m |
32 to 50-inch TVs from our shop
Resolution: Full HD or 4K
For small screens, such as 32 inches in a kitchen or bedroom, an HD Ready or Full HD TV is enough. From 43 inches up, 4K Ultra HD makes a visible difference, especially when you sit close. Today most TVs of 43 inches and up are already 4K, so the choice is mainly about size.
What size for each room
- Kitchen: 24 to 32 inches, for a distance under 1.5 metres
- Bedroom: 32 to 43 inches, depending on the size of the room
- Small living room: 43 to 50 inches, with the sofa about 2 metres away
- Medium living room: 55 inches, the most popular choice
- Large living room: 65 inches and up, with the sofa 3 metres away or further
- Holiday home or hotel room: 32 to 43 inches with Smart features
55 and 65-inch TVs from our shop
How high to place the TV
The rule is simple: when you sit down, your eyes should be roughly level with the centre of the screen, or a little above it. For most sofas, that means the centre of the screen is about 100 to 110 cm from the floor. If the TV is mounted too high, for example above a fireplace, your neck gets tired after a while.
If you mount it on the wall, check that the bracket can take the weight and matches the TV's VESA standard. If it goes on furniture, that piece should be slightly wider than the TV's stand.
Other things to consider
- Smart TV operating system: Google TV, webOS, Tizen, VIDAA, with streaming apps
- HDR: better contrast and colour in TV shows and films
- Refresh rate: higher Hz for sport and gaming
- HDMI inputs: enough for a console, receiver and soundbar
- Sound: a soundbar greatly improves the sound of slim TVs
- Energy rating: energy use goes up with screen size
Conclusion
Measure the distance, check the table and choose the largest size that fits comfortably in your space. For most families, a 4K TV at 55 inches is the most balanced choice for the living room.
See all our TVs, or the whole picture and sound category for soundbars and home cinema.
Frequently asked questions
How far should I sit from a 65-inch TV?
For a 65-inch 4K TV, a comfortable distance is about 2.2 to 3.3 metres. Sitting closer, you feel the picture wraps around you. Further back, you lose detail.
What size TV should I get if I sit 2.5 metres away?
At a distance of about 2.5 metres, a 4K TV from 55 to 65 inches is the best choice. If you prefer a more cinematic experience, go towards 65 inches.
How far should I sit from a 24-inch TV?
A 24-inch TV is comfortable to watch from about 1 to 1.5 metres away. It suits a kitchen, a small bedroom or a home office.
Is it better for the TV to be high or low?
A fairly low position is better, with the centre of the screen close to your eye level when seated. A TV mounted too high tires your neck during long viewing sessions.
Should I get a 24-inch or a 32-inch TV?
If you sit more than a metre away, or you want Smart features too, the 32-inch is more comfortable. The 24-inch suits very small spaces, such as a kitchen worktop.
What are the dimensions of a 55-inch TV in centimetres?
The diagonal is about 140 cm, and the screen is about 122 cm wide and 68 cm high. The frame and stand add a few centimetres, so check the dimensions of the specific model.
What are the dimensions of a 43-inch TV in centimetres?
The diagonal is about 109 cm, and the screen is about 95 cm wide and 54 cm high. Allow a bit more once the frame is included.
Find the TV for your living room
From 32 to 98 inches, Full HD, 4K, QLED and OLED, with delivery throughout Greece.
See our TVs