Technology
Monitor Size Calculator
Find the optimal monitor size for your setup based on viewing distance, resolution, and intended usage.
Enter viewing distance and preferences, then click Calculate
How is this calculated?
PPI = √(width² + height²) ÷ diagonal_inches
Recommended Size = Viewing Distance × Usage Factor
Usage Factors:
Gaming: distance × 0.9 (immersive, larger preferred)
Office: distance × 0.75 (comfortable text reading)
Design: distance × 0.85 (detail + workspace)
Text Readability:
PPI < 90: Text will look pixelated
PPI 90-110: Acceptable
PPI 110-140: Good (no scaling needed)
PPI 140+: Excellent (may need scaling)
Scaling Recommendation = PPI > 140 ? "150-200%" : "100%"FAQ
Frequently asked questions about monitor sizes
What size monitor should I get for my desk?
For typical 24-30 inch viewing distance: 24" for 1080p, 27" for 1440p, 32" for 4K. If you sit further back (30-40"), you can go larger. The key is maintaining readable text without scaling.
What is PPI and why does it matter?
PPI (Pixels Per Inch) determines text sharpness. Below 90 PPI text looks pixelated. 110+ PPI is comfortable. Retina/HiDPI displays achieve 200+ PPI. Higher PPI = sharper text and images.
Is 4K worth it for a 27 inch monitor?
At 27", 4K provides excellent sharpness (163 PPI) but requires 150% scaling for readable text, effectively giving you the workspace of a 1440p display with sharper rendering. It's best for design work.
What's the ideal viewing distance?
The minimum comfortable distance is roughly 1.5× the diagonal size. For a 27" monitor, sit at least 40cm away. For extended work, 50-70cm is ideal to reduce eye strain.
Does monitor size affect gaming performance?
Not directly, but larger monitors with higher resolutions (4K) require significantly more GPU power. A 4K 32" monitor needs roughly 4× the GPU power of a 1080p 24" for the same frame rates.
Should I get an ultrawide instead?
Ultrawides (34" 21:9) offer the workspace of dual monitors without the bezel gap. They're great for productivity and immersive gaming but check that your apps support non-standard aspect ratios.