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In this blog post, we will explain how to calculate a screen's size by its diagonal measurement and break down the math behind it. Understanding how diagonal screen size is derived can help when comparing screens of different aspect ratios or making purchasing decisions based on specifications.<br>
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How to Calculate Screen by Diagonal? The size of a computer or television screen is always specified by its diagonal measurement in inches. But how does this diagonal measurement relate to the actual width and height dimensions of the screen? In this blog post, we will explain how to calculate a screen's size by its diagonal measurement and break down the math behind it. Understanding how diagonal screen size is derived can help when comparing screens of different aspect ratios or making purchasing decisions based on specifications. To know more you can visit avtips.com.
Calculating Diagonal Screen Size To calculate a screen's diagonal size from its width and height, we can use the Pythagorean theorem of trigonometry. The Pythagorean theorem states that for any right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the longest side) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. As a reminder, the hypotenuse is always the side opposite the right angle. When applied to a screen, we can think of the width and height dimensions as two sides of a right-angled triangle, with the diagonal measurement as the hypotenuse. Using the variables: W = Width H = Height D = Diagonal We can write the Pythagorean theorem as: D2 = W2 + H2 To calculate the diagonal from the other dimensions, we take the square root of both sides: D = √(W2 + H2) For example, if a screen has a width of 20 inches and a height of 15 inches, we would calculate the diagonal as: D = √(202 + 152) D = √(400 + 225) D = √625 D = 25 inches Understanding Aspect Ratios The aspect ratio of a screen describes the proportional relationship between its width and height. Common aspect ratios for computer monitors include 4:3, 5:4, 16:9 and 16:10. Television screens typically use 16:9. The aspect ratio affects how the diagonal size is derived from the width and height. For the same diagonal, a wider aspect ratio like 16:9 will give a larger display area than a squarer 4:3 ratio. To take aspect ratios into account when calculating diagonals: 1.Determine the aspect ratio fraction (e.g. 16:9)
2.Calculate either the width or height based on the other dimension and aspect ratio 3.Use the Pythagorean theorem as before with the two known dimensions For example, if a 16:9 television has a width of 40 inches: 1.Aspect ratio is 16:9 2.To calculate height, use the ratio: Height = Width ÷ Aspect Ratio Height = 40 ÷ (16/9) Height = 40 ÷ 1.777 Height = 22.5 inches 3.Plug into Pythagorean theorem: D = √(402 + 22.52) D = √1600 + 506.25 D = √2106.25 D = 45 inches Therefore, a 40 inch wide 16:9 TV would have a diagonal of 45 inches. Factors Affecting Screen Dimensions Beyond aspect ratios, a few other factors can cause screen sizes to vary slightly from their calculated dimensions: Bezels - The frame or bezel around the outer edge of the screen is not included in the specified size. Bezel widths vary but can be 0.5 inches or more on each side. Rounding - Manufacturers often round measurements to the nearest full inch size. So a calculated 24.7 inch screen may be listed as 25 inches. Quality Control - Variations in manufacturing processes result in screens that are sometimes fractionally smaller or larger than the target size. Pixel Density - Screens with higher resolution and pixel density often have slightly smaller physical dimensions for the same diagonal size.
These additional influences mean an actual screen may differ slightly from the calculated size based purely on its specs. But understanding the mathematical relationship helps compare screens objectively and pick the right one based on intended viewing distance and size requirements. Applying Diagonal Calculations Being able to convert between a screen's width/height and diagonal opens up possibilities when shopping for or recommending displays. Here are some common situations where the calculation skills come in handy: •You have a space restriction that requires a screen under a certain maximum width. You can determine the diagonal size that would fit. •A client requests a monitor around 25 inches. You could suggest width/height options that would satisfy the diagonal requirement. •The specs for a TV list the screen size as 48 inches diagonal. You want to mount it and need to know the actual width for wall space. •An older display died but you know it was roughly 20 inches across. Calculating possible dimensions helps with finding a replacement part orcompatible used screen. •Purchasing international versions of a screen where specs may list width/height in some regions but diagonal in others. Being able to go back and forth between linear and diagonal measurements provides valuable flexibility whether shopping, problem-solving or simply satisfying curiosity about screen specs and sizes. With some simple Pythagorean theorem skills, the relationship between sizes is straightforward. Conclusion In summary, the diagonal screen size specified for any display is a product of its width, height and aspect ratio dimensions. Using the Pythagorean theorem, any two known values can be used to calculate the third dimension. Real-world screen measurements may vary some due to manufacturing tolerances and bezels. But understanding how the math works demystifies diagonal screen specs and opens up options when comparing displays or coordinating
purchases based on available physical space. With practice, interconverting between linear and diagonal sizes becomes second nature.