Measuring the laptop screen can be confusing, especially if you’ve never done it. However, knowing how to correctly measure your laptop when purchasing a laptop sleeve, laptop bag, or laptop stand is essential.
In this step-by-step guide, we will discuss everything you need to correctly measure your laptop, as well as the best methods to determine the actual size of your laptop.
Keep reading to learn all about measuring the laptop screen size and getting the most accurate measurement possible.
Why do you need to measure laptop size?
Getting the most accurate measurement of your laptop size is essential when selecting a laptop skin or laptop case.
You want to avoid returning the product because it doesn’t fit well, especially if you’re investing a decent amount of money and want it to be just perfect.
Instead of eyeballing the size of your laptop, you can use one of our easy and quick methods to get the measurement if it isn’t already specified in the laptop specifications.
In case you’re in the market for a new laptop and you’d like to learn more about sizes before you invest in one, keep in mind that the laptop screen sizes usually range from 13 to 15 inches, while you can find exceptions.
For instance, if you prefer larger laptop screens, they can go up to 17.3 inches. Note that big laptops aren’t as practical, so if you want a good mix of portability and quality, look for 12-14 inches.
However, remember that while some laptops can have the same diagonal size, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the vertical and horizontal dimensions are identical.
How to measure laptop size
Let’s start with what you’ll need to measure your laptop, which is a standard measuring tape.
If you don’t already own one, you’ll need to purchase a tape measure to get the exact measurement of your device.
Don’t worry if the measuring tape is in the metric system, as you can easily convert centimeters to inches if necessary.
When converting centimeters to inches (or vice versa), remember that 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters.
It is also important to note that the laptop screen displays should always be measured diagonally.
Also, you never want to start measuring at the top of the screen (the plastic part) but where the actual screen begins.
The easiest way to determine a starting point is to start from the top left corner and end with the bottom right corner of the laptop screen, making sure you do not include the plastic edge – just the actual screen.
As soon as you take the measurement, grab your phone notes or a piece of paper so you can write down the measurements and convert them as needed.
- You don’t have to measure the laptop size yourself if it is already indicated in the laptop specification. To check if this information is already available, launch Settings on your laptop.
- Click on System, then select Advanced display settings. In this menu, you should see all the important information regarding your laptop screen, including the screen resolution.
- However, you will have to measure the screen manually if this information is unavailable. Grab a standard measuring tape and select the starting point, as discussed.
- To measure the width of your laptop screen, start from the right corner or the front left.
- Always measure the width from the front of the laptop to the opposite laptop corner, including rounded edges.
- As for measuring the depth of your laptop, you want to start directly at the front corner of the laptop, pointing the measuring tape there. It is also essential to include rounded corners.
- Finally, when measuring the height of your laptop, you want to turn off the laptop before you start measuring.
- It is essential to start measuring from below, moving the measuring tape to the top of the laptop screen.
- As for the laptop’s thickness, you always want to measure it when it is closed.
- If you don’t own a tape measure, you could also use a standardized A4 paper to measure the laptop screen, but keep in mind that this may not be the most accurate method.
- The standardized A4 paper measures 13 inches, so you can use it to compare the size of the laptop screen and get a rough measure. However, we wouldn’t recommend this method if you need precise dimensions, which is usually the case.
- Even if the laptop desktop settings don’t offer the necessary information about the laptop size, you can try to find it online, and all you need is the laptop model number.
- The laptop model number should be specified somewhere on the device, usually on the bottom portion, but you can also find it in the user manual you received with your laptop or the box it came in.
- Google the laptop model number or look it up on the manufacturer’s official website to get the most accurate information.
FAQ
How do I determine the screen size on Windows 10?
To determine the laptop screen size if you’re a Windows 10 user, in the search bar in the bottom left corner of the taskbar, type in Display Settings and click on the first result to launch the settings.
Look for the Scale and Layout option, then click on it, select the Resolution drop-down box, and you should be able to see all the screen specifications.
What are the typical laptop sizes?
As you already know, laptop sizes aren’t universal and depend upon the model and the manufacturer. However, the typical laptop sizes include 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.
