Direct answer
Multiply the screen size in inches by 2.54 to convert its diagonal measurement into centimeters.
For example, a 55-inch television has a diagonal measurement of:
55 x 2.54 = 139.7
55 inches = 139.7 centimeters diagonallyThe Inches to Centimeters Converter can calculate any screen size instantly.
What does screen size in inches mean?
The advertised screen size normally represents the diagonal distance from one corner of the visible display area to the opposite corner. It does not normally represent the screen's width, height, or total device dimensions.
A 55-inch television therefore has a display diagonal of 55 inches, which equals 139.7 centimeters. Its width is less than 55 inches because the diagonal crosses the rectangular display at an angle.
Bezels, frames, stands, hinges, keyboards, and other parts can make the complete product larger than the stated display size.
How to convert a screen size to centimeters
- Find the advertised screen size. Confirm that the number refers to the display diagonal in inches.
- Multiply the number by 2.54. This converts the diagonal from inches to centimeters.
- Keep width and height separate. Do not treat the converted diagonal as the width of the screen.
- Check the manufacturer's product dimensions. Use those dimensions when determining whether a device will fit on a desk, wall, shelf, or cabinet.
Common television sizes in centimeters
| Screen size | Diagonal in centimeters |
|---|---|
| 24 in | 60.96 cm |
| 32 in | 81.28 cm |
| 40 in | 101.6 cm |
| 43 in | 109.22 cm |
| 50 in | 127 cm |
| 55 in | 139.7 cm |
| 65 in | 165.1 cm |
| 70 in | 177.8 cm |
| 75 in | 190.5 cm |
| 85 in | 215.9 cm |
Common monitor sizes in centimeters
Computer monitors are also measured diagonally. Common desktop monitor sizes include 21.5, 24, 27, 32, and 34 inches.
| Monitor size | Diagonal in centimeters |
|---|---|
| 21.5 in | 54.61 cm |
| 24 in | 60.96 cm |
| 27 in | 68.58 cm |
| 32 in | 81.28 cm |
| 34 in | 86.36 cm |
| 38 in | 96.52 cm |
| 49 in | 124.46 cm |
Ultrawide monitors can have the same diagonal as conventional monitors while having very different widths and heights because their aspect ratios differ.
Laptop screen sizes in centimeters
Laptop display sizes are usually stated diagonally and may be rounded for marketing. Common sizes include 11.6, 13.3, 14, 15.6, 16, and 17.3 inches.
| Laptop screen | Diagonal in centimeters |
|---|---|
| 11.6 in | 29.464 cm |
| 13.3 in | 33.782 cm |
| 14 in | 35.56 cm |
| 15.6 in | 39.624 cm |
| 16 in | 40.64 cm |
| 17.3 in | 43.942 cm |
These values describe the display diagonal, not the laptop's total width. The outer chassis can be wider because of the bezel, hinges, and case design.
Phone and tablet screen sizes
Phones and tablets use the same diagonal convention, but their narrow or tall aspect ratios can make direct size comparisons difficult.
6.5 x 2.54 = 16.51
A 6.5-inch screen is 16.51 centimeters diagonally10.9 x 2.54 = 27.686
A 10.9-inch tablet is 27.686 centimeters diagonallyA phone with a larger diagonal may still be narrow enough to hold comfortably if its display has a tall aspect ratio.
Why diagonal size does not reveal screen width
Width and height depend on the screen's aspect ratio. A 16:9 screen and a 21:9 screen with the same diagonal do not have the same width and height.
The 16:9 ratio is common for televisions and many monitors. The 21:9 ratio is common for ultrawide monitors. Some laptops and tablets use ratios such as 16:10, 3:2, or 4:3.
This is why the diagonal conversion should be used only to understand the advertised display size. Check the full specifications when exact width and height matter.
Example: 55-inch television
A 55-inch diagonal converts directly to centimeters:
55 x 2.54 = 139.7 cm
A typical 16:9 display with this diagonal is approximately 47.9 inches wide and 27 inches high before accounting for the bezel. These approximate display dimensions equal about 121.7 centimeters wide and 68.6 centimeters high.
Actual product dimensions vary, so use the manufacturer's stated width, height, and stand depth before installation.
Choosing a screen for an available space
Do not compare the converted diagonal directly with the width of a cabinet or wall opening. Instead:
- check the complete product width;
- check the height with and without the stand;
- check the stand or base depth;
- allow space for ventilation;
- allow access to cables and ports;
- consider wall-mount clearances.
Converting the diagonal is helpful for understanding the advertised class of screen, but installation decisions require the complete physical dimensions.
Common mistakes
Treating the diagonal as the width
A 65-inch television is not 65 inches wide. The 65-inch figure is the diagonal measurement.
Ignoring the bezel
The external product dimensions are usually slightly larger than the active display area.
Ignoring the stand
A television or monitor stand can increase both the height and depth required.
Comparing screens with different aspect ratios
Two screens with the same diagonal can have noticeably different shapes and usable areas.
Related inches to centimeters guides
Frequently asked questions
How many centimeters is a 55-inch screen?
A 55-inch screen has a diagonal measurement of 139.7 centimeters.
Is screen size measured by width or diagonal?
Screen size is normally measured diagonally from one corner of the visible display to the opposite corner.
How many centimeters is a 32-inch television?
A 32-inch television has a display diagonal of 81.28 centimeters.
Does the advertised screen size include the bezel?
The advertised size normally refers to the visible display diagonal and does not include the outer bezel.