How to use the Screen Size Comparison Calculator
Enter the diagonal size and aspect ratio for Screen A and Screen B. The calculator compares the actual width, height, and screen area so you can judge the real difference between two displays.
This is especially useful when comparing a standard 16:9 monitor with an ultrawide or super ultrawide display. A larger diagonal does not always mean more height or more total area.
If you also need sharpness, use the Monitor PPI Calculator. If you are planning desk comfort, check the Monitor Viewing Distance Calculator.
Screen size comparison formula
screen width = diagonal x aspect width / sqrt(aspect width^2 + aspect height^2)screen height = diagonal x aspect height / sqrt(aspect width^2 + aspect height^2)screen area = screen width x screen heightarea change = (screen B area / screen A area - 1) x 100The formula turns diagonal size and aspect ratio into physical dimensions. The comparison then uses Screen A as the baseline and reports how Screen B differs in width, height, and area.
Assumptions and methodology
This calculator assumes the advertised diagonal size refers to the visible screen area and that the aspect ratio describes the active display shape. It does not include bezels, stands, monitor arms, or desk clearance.
- Screen A is the baseline; Screen B is compared against it.
- Area is calculated from visible width and visible height.
- Aspect ratio matters because the same diagonal can produce very different width and height.
- For buying decisions, also consider resolution, PPI, viewing distance, stand size, and available desk or wall space.
Example calculations
27-inch 16:9 vs 34-inch 21:9 ultrawide
A 27-inch 16:9 monitor is about 23.5 in wide and 13.2 in tall, with 311.5 sq in of screen area. A 34-inch 21:9 ultrawide is about 31.3 in wide and 13.4 in tall, with 418.6 sq in of screen area. That makes the ultrawide +32.8% wider and +34.4% larger by area.
Common screen size comparisons
These examples show why screen area and aspect ratio matter. Use the calculator above for exact custom sizes.
| Comparison | Width | Height | Area | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 in 16:9 vs 27 in 16:9 | +12.5% | +12.5% | +26.6% | Screen B has 26.6% more screen area. |
| 27 in 16:9 vs 32 in 16:9 | +18.5% | +18.5% | +40.5% | Screen B has 40.5% more screen area. |
| 27 in 16:9 vs 34 in 21:9 | +32.8% | +1.2% | +34.4% | Screen B has 34.4% more screen area. |
| 32 in 16:9 vs 34 in 21:9 | +12.0% | -14.6% | -4.3% | Screen B has 4.3% less screen area. |
| 34 in 21:9 vs 49 in 32:9 | +50.9% | -0.9% | +49.5% | Screen B has 49.5% more screen area. |
| 55 in 16:9 vs 65 in 16:9 | +18.2% | +18.2% | +39.7% | Screen B has 39.7% more screen area. |
Related calculators
TV Size Calculator
Estimate the best TV size for your room and seating distance.
TV Dimensions Calculator
Convert diagonal TV size into approximate screen width and height.
Projector Screen Size Calculator
Estimate screen size from projector distance and throw ratio.
Monitor PPI Calculator
Calculate monitor pixel density, pixel pitch, and perceived sharpness from screen size and resolution.
Monitor Viewing Distance Calculator
Estimate a comfortable viewing distance for desktop monitors and workstations.
FAQ
How do you compare two screen sizes?
Use the diagonal size and aspect ratio to calculate real width, height, and screen area. Diagonal size alone is not enough when the two screens have different aspect ratios.
Is a 34-inch ultrawide bigger than a 32-inch monitor?
A 34-inch 21:9 ultrawide is usually wider but shorter than a 32-inch 16:9 monitor. In this comparison, the 34-inch ultrawide has +12.0% width change, -14.6% height change, and -4.3% screen area change.
How much bigger is a 27-inch monitor than a 24-inch monitor?
For the same 16:9 aspect ratio, a 27-inch monitor has +26.6% more screen area than a 24-inch monitor. It is also +12.5% wider and +12.5% taller.
Why can diagonal screen size be misleading?
Diagonal size measures corner to corner, but it does not show whether the screen is wide, tall, or narrow. A wider ultrawide display can have a larger diagonal while still being shorter than a standard 16:9 screen.
Should I compare screen area or screen width?
Use screen area when you care about total visible space. Use width when you care about timelines, spreadsheets, side-by-side windows, or gaming field of view. Use height when you care about documents, code, or vertical workspace.
Can I use this calculator for TVs and monitors?
Yes. The geometry is the same for TVs, monitors, projector screens, and ultrawide displays. Just enter the advertised diagonal size and the correct aspect ratio.