The quickest way to check your monitor size

Your monitor size is the diagonal measurement of the screen in inches, measured from one corner to the opposite corner. The easiest way to find it is to look at the back or bottom of the monitor for a label or sticker — most manufacturers print the screen size there along with the model number. If there is no label, you can measure the screen yourself with a ruler or measuring tape, measuring diagonally from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner of the actual display area (not including the plastic frame around it).

If you have already thrown away the monitor box and cannot find a label, the second-fastest route is to look up your monitor model number online. The model number is usually printed on the back of the monitor, sometimes on a small sticker near the power cord. Type that model number into a search engine along with the word "monitor" and the manufacturer name (like "Dell U2720Q monitor specs"), and the first result will almost always show you the screen size.

Key Takeaways

  • Monitor size is measured diagonally in inches from corner to corner across the screen itself, not including the plastic border.
  • Check the back or bottom of your monitor for a manufacturer label that lists the screen size and model number.
  • If there is no label, search online for your monitor's model number to find the specifications, which will include the screen size.
  • You can also measure the screen diagonally yourself with a ruler if you need to verify the size without looking up the model.

Finding the model number on your monitor

The model number is usually printed on a sticker attached to the back of the monitor, often near where the power cord connects. It may also be on the bottom edge of the monitor or on the stand. The label typically shows the manufacturer name (Dell, LG, HP, ASUS, BenQ, or another brand), followed by a combination of letters and numbers that identifies that specific model.

Once you have the model number, open a web browser and search for it along with the word "specs" or "specifications." For example, if your monitor is an LG 27UP550, you would search "LG 27UP550 specs." The manufacturer's website or a tech retailer's product page will show you the screen size along with other details like resolution and refresh rate.

Measuring your monitor yourself

If you want to verify the size without looking anything up, you can measure the screen with a ruler or measuring tape. Place one end of the ruler at the top-left corner of the actual display area — where the image starts, not where the plastic frame begins — and measure diagonally down to the bottom-right corner. Write down the measurement in inches.

Be careful to measure only the screen itself. The plastic border (called the bezel) around the screen does not count toward the monitor size. Most monitors are sized in whole numbers or half-inch increments: 21.5 inches, 24 inches, 27 inches, 32 inches, and so on. If your measurement comes out to something like 26.8 inches, it is most likely a 27-inch monitor, and the small difference is due to how you held the ruler or the curve of the screen edge.

Why monitor size matters for your setup

Knowing your monitor size helps you understand how much screen space you have for work or gaming, and it affects how far away you should sit. A 24-inch monitor is standard for most office work and fits comfortably on a desk from about 20 to 30 inches away. A 27-inch monitor gives you more room for multiple windows side by side and works well from 24 to 36 inches away. Larger monitors like 32 inches or ultrawide screens (which are wider than they are tall) need more desk space and viewing distance.

Monitor size also connects to resolution — the number of pixels displayed on the screen. A 1080p resolution (1920 by 1080 pixels) looks sharp on a 24-inch monitor but can look slightly blurry on a 32-inch monitor because the same number of pixels is spread across a larger area. Knowing your monitor size helps you understand whether the resolution you have is appropriate for your needs.

Common monitor sizes and what they are used for

Most monitors sold today fall into a few standard sizes. A 24-inch monitor is the most common size for office work, schoolwork, and general computer use. It fits on most desks without taking up too much space and works well for one or two open windows at a time. A 27-inch monitor is popular for people who want more screen space without moving their desk farther away — it is common in gaming setups and for work that involves comparing multiple documents or spreadsheets side by side.

Larger monitors like 32 inches or 34-inch ultrawide monitors are less common in home offices but are used by people who do video editing, photo editing, or other work that benefits from a lot of screen space. Smaller monitors like 21.5 inches or 22 inches are older or used in tight spaces, though they are less common in new purchases. Laptop screens are typically 13 to 17 inches and are measured the same way — diagonally across the display.

What to do if your monitor has no label

If the sticker has worn off or been removed, start by checking the monitor's manual or original box if you still have it — both will list the model number and screen size. If you do not have those, try searching for your monitor online using any information you do have: the manufacturer name (usually visible on the monitor frame), the color, the shape of the stand, or any other distinctive features you remember.

You can also try right-clicking on your desktop (on Windows) or clicking the Apple menu (on Mac) and looking for display settings. Some operating systems show the monitor model name in the display settings, though not always the screen size. If that does not work, measuring the screen yourself with a ruler is the most reliable backup option and takes only a minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the plastic frame around the screen count toward the monitor size?

No. Monitor size is only the diagonal measurement of the actual display area where the image appears. The plastic border (bezel) around the screen is not included in the size measurement. When you measure or look up a monitor size, you are measuring only the lit part of the screen.

Can I find my monitor size in Windows or Mac settings?

Windows and Mac display settings usually show the resolution (like 1920 by 1080) but not the physical screen size in inches. However, the settings may show the monitor model name, which you can then search online to find the size. On Windows, right-click the desktop and select "Display settings." On Mac, click the Apple menu and go to "System Settings" then "Displays."

What if I have a laptop — how do I measure that?

Laptop screens are measured the same way as monitors: diagonally from corner to corner in inches. Most laptops are 13, 14, 15, or 17 inches. You can find the size by searching for your laptop model number online, or by measuring the screen diagonally yourself with a ruler, measuring only the display area and not the plastic frame around it.

Is there a difference between screen size and screen resolution?

Yes. Screen size is the physical diagonal measurement in inches (like 27 inches). Resolution is the number of pixels displayed on that screen (like 1920 by 1080). A 27-inch monitor and a 24-inch monitor can have the same resolution, but the pixels will be larger on the 27-inch screen because they are spread across more space.