Laptops are useful because they’re portable and you can take them with you anywhere. However, there are occasions when you might want to buy a laptop, change its screen, or buy a carry bag for it, but you may find it challenging to choose the right size.
It is possible to measure the correct laptop screen size by using a measuring tape, searching the screen specifications online, or referring to the user manual or product stickers.
Even if two laptops have the same screen size, their entire proportions may differ. This article will discuss what laptop screen size means in layman’s terms, how to measure it, and what you should consider for optimal screen size.
You will easily choose the right laptop for you when knowing all of this information.
What Does Laptop Screen Size Mean?
Laptops are often measured in inches, but some vendors prefer to measure them in centimeters. Examples of popular laptop screen sizes are 11.6″ (29.46cm), 12.1″ (30.73cm), 13.3″ (33.78cm), 14″ (35.56cm), 15″ (38.1cm), 15.6″ (39.62cm), and 17″ (43.18cm).
Measuring Laptop Screen Size
Correctly measuring the screen size is not that difficult. Our step-by-step instructions will guide you through the whole process without getting your head all confused with techy stuff.
Later in the guide, we’ll also discuss how to determine the optimal screen size for your laptop. So without wasting any more of your time, here are the three methods for measuring laptop screen size.
Method #1: Using a Measuring Tape
Laptop screens come in various sizes, so it is essential to match the size of the replacement with that of your original screen. One way of doing it is by using a tape measure.
Laptop screens are measured diagonally, and usually, only the viewable area is considered to be counted. Place the end of your tape measure in one of the corners of the screen. Next, align the tape measure with the diagonal corner on the opposite side. Now, note the size in inches and convert them into centimeters if needed.
1 inch = 2.54 CM. If your screen is 34 cm wide, you’ll have to divide it by 2.54 cm to get inches.
Method #2: Removing Screen and Checking User Manual
Another way of finding out the correct size of your laptop screen is to remove it and then look at the model number sticker on the back of the screen.
Almost all laptop model numbers contain the screen’s physical size in inches. For example, in the model number “LMM1568891,” the first three digits after the three letters indicate the size of the screen, which is 15.6 inches diagonally in this case.
Sometimes, the screen size of your laptop can be found on the sticker that is pasted on the laptop or product box. Other times, you can find it in the user manual.
There are a few cases where the size of the screen is misstated on stickers or the manual, which results in extra hassle. So the best approach is to measure the laptop screen size whenever possible physically.
Method #3: Searching Screen Size Online
The third way of finding out the correct screen size is to go online and search for your laptop specifications.
Visit your manufacturer’s website and search using the model number of your laptop. Next, see the screen size under the laptop’s complete specifications list. Alternatively, you can go to PC forums and ask the members for an accurate answer.
What To Consider When Choosing a Laptop Screen Size?
When you talk about laptop screen sizes, the best option depends on what you need. Let’s find out the most important things to consider to make a rational decision when choosing a laptop screen size.
Choosing a Big Screen
You might want to consider buying a bigger laptop with a bigger screen, especially if you spend long hours working in an office or playing PC games. Otherwise, you will be bending down on the small screen while focusing on the task, resulting in neck pain due to incorrect posture.
So, if you are not transporting your laptop a lot, a bigger screen, such as 15 inches or 17 inches, is often the best choice for you.
Alternatively, you can consider purchasing an external monitor for your workplace for a bigger screen experience. This is the preferred method of scrolling. In this way, you may have the mobility advantages of a small laptop while still having the benefits of a big external screen.
Selecting a Smaller Screen
If you move a lot, which can be due to your work or studies requirements, a smaller laptop with a smaller screen is your best bet.
Also, a smaller laptop can make portability practical for you as you don’t have to hang or carry a big piece of hardware with a big carry bag all the time. In this case, a size between 11 inches to 14 inches is quite suitable.
Display Quality
Besides the screen’s size, you should also think about choosing a laptop with better screen quality and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels or more. In fact, a 1920 x 1280 screen is easier to read on a 15-inch laptop than on an 11-inch one because everything on the screen will be clearer and bigger.
It’s also good to compare your current laptop screens with other brands while shopping for a new one.
Summary
In this guide about measuring laptop screens, we’ve covered three methods of identifying screen size. We also discussed how to choose different screen sizes for different situations.
We hope, with our instructions, you won’t have to keep searching for finding a way to measure your laptop screen. Now you can easily do it without much effort. Thanks for reading and giving us your precious time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Most laptops have screen sizes between 13 to 15 inches. While 13 inches is the standard one, some brands manufacture smaller or larger sizes between 11 and 17 inches.
A 14-inch laptop is has a distinct advantage over its 15-inch counterpart. It is easy to carry around for travel or work.
