Monitor Dimensions Calculator
16:9 (Widescreen)
21:9 (Ultrawide)
32:9 (Super Ultrawide)
16:10 (Professional)
4:3 (Legacy)
Custom Ratio
Width (Inches)
0.00″
Height (Inches)
0.00″
Width (cm)
0.00 cm
Height (cm)
0.00 cm
Total Screen Area
0.00 sq in
Diagonal (cm)
0.00 cm
How Monitor Dimensions Are Calculated
Monitor sizes are marketed using the diagonal measurement from one corner of the display to the opposite corner. However, the actual usable width and height depend entirely on the aspect ratio. To find the dimensions, we use the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²), where 'c' is the diagonal.
The mathematical formula involves calculating a multiplier based on the ratio. For a diagonal d and a ratio w:h:
- Height = d / √( (w/h)² + 1 )
- Width = (w/h) × Height
Common Monitor Aspect Ratios
Different tasks require different screen shapes. Understanding these can help you choose the right display for your desk setup:
| Ratio | Name | Common Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | Widescreen | Standard for YouTube, Gaming, and Movies. |
| 21:9 | Ultrawide | Immersive gaming and multi-window productivity. |
| 16:10 | WUXGA | Extra vertical space for coding and spreadsheets. |
| 32:9 | Super Ultrawide | Equivalent to two 16:9 monitors side-by-side. |
Why Knowing Dimensions Matters
Before purchasing a monitor, you must ensure it fits your physical desk space. A 32-inch 16:9 monitor is much taller than a 34-inch 21:9 ultrawide, even though the diagonal number is similar. Using this calculator helps you visualize the actual physical footprint (width and height) rather than just the diagonal "marketing" number.
Example: A 27-inch 16:9 monitor has a width of approximately 23.5 inches, whereas a 27-inch 21:9 monitor would only be about 21 inches wide but much shorter in height. This drastically affects the total screen area and pixel density.