13"
1920 x 1080

How to find out your screen size and resolution?

What is the screen size

The display size, also known as the physical image size is the actual size of the area where images and videos are presented on 2D displays like computer monitors, laptop displays and TVs. A screen’s size is often determined by the diagonal, or the space between its two opposite corners, which is typically measured in inches. It is not to be confused with the logical image size which referrers to a display’s resolution and is measured in pixels.
Find out screen size by measuring the display diagonal of the laptop
Find out screen size by measuring the display diagonal of the laptop
Laptops can come in different shapes and dimensions. However, some laptop display sizes are more common then others. Below is a list of common sizes, the 3 most popular ones are highlighted in bold:
TypeInchCmResolution of example deviceExample deviceMore information
Mobile devices6.4''16.3720x1600click to see prices*
Mobile devices8.4''22.61600x2560click to see prices*
Laptops10.6''26.91800x1200click to see prices*
Laptops11.1''28.21366x1200click to see prices*
Laptops12.1''30.71920x1080click to see prices*
Laptops13.3''33.82560x1664click to see prices*
Laptops15.4''39.11600x900click to see prices*
Laptops16.1''40.91920x1080click to see prices*
Desktop screens17.0''42.21280x1024click to see prices*
Desktop screens18.4''46.71366x768click to see prices*

The most frequently used devices have a resolution of 1920×1080 pixel, 1366×768 pixel and 360×640 pixel (mobile device).

How can you find out the screen size of your laptop?

There are several ways to find out which screen size your laptop or desk computer has. Some are more convenient and straightforward than others. Our goal is it to make it as easy as possible to answer your questions that’s why we developed the screen size calculator. In case you want to try one of the other methods, here is a list of the 5 ways to find it out:

Use our free online tool

In our opinion, easiest way of course is to use our calculator, a free online tool Screen size tool to find it out. Simply take a membership card, credit card or ID as a reference object and hold it against your screen. Adjust the scroll bar to change size until they both match. That’s it, so easy.

Measure the display

If you have a ruler, tapeline or yardstick at hand, you can measure the distance from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. It is important to only measure the display diagonal and not the border of the screen. The size is usually expressed in the unit inch so in case you only have a centimeter measuring device, you can convert it: 1 inch = 2.54 cm. You can also use an online converter such as https://www.inches-to-cm.com/

In addition, in case you want to get more information on how to measure correctly please check this Youtube video explaining the details: 

Product type

Some laptop and desktop models are only manufactured with one specific screen size. To find out whether your model is one of those, you can follow three simple steps:

  1. Open the search (for windows click on the “windows” key; for MacOS press cmd + space) and enter “system setting”
  2. Copy the “system model” (e.g. 20LES5PX00)
  3. Paste the system model + “screen size” into your favorite search engine such as www.google.com

Further methods

In addition to the previous mentioned methods, others methods can be found on the internet. One methods for example is checking the advanced system information for any hints. However, as we tested all methods this is one is not likely to be successful as most operating systems do not show the screen size there.
 
Other methods include calculations based on the screen resolution. In contrary to the settings method, this method is actually working, however it did not pass the convenience test.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we identified several ways to find out the display size of your laptop or computer. Only 3 methods passed our tests regarding quality of result and convenience of execution. The least promising approach is number 3, the product type because of the rather lower success rate.

Consequently, we would recommend using either our free online tool from chapter 2.1 (Tool) or measure the display as it was described in chapter 2.2.

Why is the screen size so important?

The screen size is relevant for a range of different use cases. Below you can find a list of the most common 4 application areas for the size and resolution of your display:

  1. Accessories such as protectors, cases or screen shields
  2. Laptop bags
  3. Handbags for laptops
  4. Web design
In the following chapter, you can find a handcrafted comparison of great products of each category.

Accessories such as protectors, cases or screen shields

 The price winnerThe design winnerThe function winner
NameArvok Waterproof Laptop CaseSolo Pelle Montana Vintage LeatherDonbolso London Leather Case
Picture
Features
  • Water-repellent case
  • 0.6cm shock-resistance protection layer
  • Soft inner layer to keep the laptop safe
  • Clean and stylic design
  • Time-less and elegant designMade out of superb-quality leather
  • Reinforced corners of the outer layer
  • Soft inner layer to keep the laptop safe
  • All-in-one solution to be organised
  • Stylic design through high-quality leather
  • Protected inner pockets with many compartments
  • Ideal case for leisure and business traveling 
PriceSee price*See price*See price*

 Laptop bags

 The price winnerThe design winnerThe function winner
NameCompact Laptop Shoulder BagLeather Laptop Backpack 40LSamsonite Laptop Backpack with Wheels
Picture
Features
  • Phenomenal low price
  • Amazon's Choice for best laptop bag
  • Several different compartments for organizing all belongings
  • Soft padded shoulder strap
  • Time-less and elegant design
  • Invisible anti-theft design
  • Perfect for travels due to trolley function and usb charging port
  • Made out of superb-quality leather
  • Best travel buddy due to wheels and capacity
  • Multiple compartments for staying organized
  • High quality fabric from well known brand
  • Environmental friendly design by using recycled materials
PriceSee price*See price*See price*

Handbags for laptops

 The price winnerThe design winnerThe function winner
NameNEWHEY Elegant Leather Handbag for a LaptopProfessional Brown Leather Handbag for a LaptopBostanten Vintage Leather Laptop Handbag
Picture
Features
  • Phenomenal low price
  • Amazon's Choice for laptop handbag
  • Soft, water-resistant and scratch-resistant fabric
  • Removable and padded shoulder strap
  • Professional and elegant design
  • Made out of superb-quality leather
  • Enough space for a 15inch laptop, A4 documents and other items
  • Removable shoulder strap for more flexibility
  • Numerous compartments for all belongings
  • Ideal combination of design & functionality
  • High quality leather for long durability
  • Removable shoulder strap for more flexibility
PriceSee price*See price*See price*

Web design

In contrary to the other three categories, the fourth application area is not about products but rather about frontend development. Many digital professions need to know for which screen sizes applications, graphics or videos are being developed. However, modern techniques involve the usage of responsive web design and hence are  automatically scaling the displayed content in the right dimensions for the viewers device. 

Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that are at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.