TV sizes and viewing distance

How to choose the right screen size for your room  

Choosing the optimum TV screen size should be based on how far you'll be sitting from it, and what you'll be watching, as well as on your own viewing preferences.

IN A NUTSHELL

Sitting up close to your TV gives you a more immersive, theater-like viewing experience. The image fills up more of your field of vision, so your eyes are less likely to stray from the action.

For 1080p HDTVs, we suggest a viewing distance between 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 times the screen's diagonal measurement. You can sit even closer to a 4K Ultra HD TV — 1 to 1-1/2 times the screen diagonal.

You're sitting too close if you can make out the screen's "structure" — those rows and columns of pixels that look like tiny dots.

This goal of this article is to help you see all of the picture details your HD or Ultra HD TV can display. But in the case of 4K TVs, there are other reasons to consider getting one even if you choose to sit farther away than the distances recommended below.

Virtually all 4K TVs support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which can deliver wider contrast and color range when showing HDR-encoded content. HDR's improvements are typically more noticeable than 4K's added detail, and can be seen from across a room.

FULL STORY

The expression "bigger is better" actually makes a pretty reasonable guideline when you're trying to decide on TV screen size.

Go with the largest screen your room, viewing distance, and budget will accommodate. We occasionally hear from people wishing they'd chosen a bigger TV screen, but rarely the opposite.

Some people still base their viewing distance choices on experiences with old-school tube TVs, where if you sat too close you'd be distracted by the screen's scan lines. But today's TVs don't have scan lines, and if you sit too far away you'll be missing some of the picture detail you paid for.

Of course, it is possible to sit too close to your TV. You're too close if you find yourself noticing the screen's "structure" — those rows and columns of pixels that look like tiny dots.

If you're not sure which screen size is best for your room size and viewing distance, use our charts as a guideline. They're based on the recommendations of TV industry experts.

You'll notice that we provide a range for each screen size, rather than a hard and fast number. That's because the viewing distance you prefer will depend on your personal tastes. And rather than rearranging your room so you can sit closer, it may just be easier to get a larger TV.

4K Ultra HD TVs have much higher resolution screens than HDTVs — they can show four times the detail of a 1080p screen. Ultra HD pixels are incredibly small — even standing right next to the screen it's hard to discern individual pixels. That's why you can sit much closer to an Ultra HD TV than to a regular HDTV.

Actually, when it comes to 4K TVs, there are other reasons to consider getting one even if you choose to sit farther away than the distances recommended below.

Virtually all 4K TVs support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which can deliver wider contrast and color range when showing HDR-encoded content. HDR's improvements are typically more noticeable than 4K's added detail, and can be seen from across a room.

Viewing angle is another factor that affects TV picture quality. No matter what display technology your TV uses — LED-LCD, plasma, OLED — it will look its best when viewed straight-on, at eye level. So, whether you plan to wall-mount your TV or place it on a stand, try to position it so it's at or near the correct viewing height.

Today's skinny, lightweight TVs give you options: you can either go with a TV stand, or use a TV wall mount for on-wall placement. Wall-mounting saves considerable floor space and gives your home theater a nice, finished look. See our guide to wall-mounting your TV for more detailed on-wall TV placement tips.

Choose a stand or wall mount that's made to accommodate your TV's weight and size. An old coffee table may not be able to support the weight of really big TVs.

Also, be sure your TV is placed properly on your stand, and that it's balanced left to right, and front to back.

If you have small children, wall-mounting your TV is a good way to reduce the chances of an injury caused by a TV tipping over. Or, if you're placing your TV on a stand or other furniture, a TV safety strap is a smart add-on.

Rather than the traditional pedestal stand, many new TVs are supported by two legs placed out near the edges of the screen. Be careful not to place your TV so that the legs are close enough to slip off if the TV is bumped.

You'll also find detailed safety tips for wall-mounted TVs in our in-depth wall-mounting guide.

Light from lamps and windows can also affect your TV's picture.

Properly done, it can have a positive effect, helping to prevent eye strain and providing deeper-looking blacks. But too much light can create on-screen glare and make your TV's colors look faded and washed out.

If your viewing room has a lot of ambient light from lamps and windows, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent or reduce any negative impact on your TV's picture.

Controlling your room's ambient light with window treatments and lamp dimmers can help your picture look its best at any time of day.