Choosing the right laptop screen size can be overwhelming. There are tons of options available and picking something you’re comfortable with is subjective too!
This article I wrote should help you choose the perfect one. Let me introduce you to the different factors you should think about when looking for a laptop screen size that properly fits you!
Handpicking the Perfect Laptop Screen Size: Important Considerations
I’ll start this article off with the information you’re after, what factors you should look at to find the best laptop screen sizes.

Yitaoera; Asus; HP
#1 Your Current Laptop Screen Size
Let me ask you one question first. If you have a laptop, how do you feel about the size of your current laptop screen?
Want to know why I asked? The size of your current laptop screen is the best place to start when contemplating display size!
Since you’re here, you’re probably second-guessing if you’re satisfied with the size of your current laptop screen. But if you’re comfortable with it, that’s great!
From here on out, it’s pretty simple. I’ll just highlight these two points:
- Dissatisfied with your current screen size? Picking your next display is as simple as addressing the drawbacks of your current one!
- Comfortable with your current laptop screen? Check the dimensions first since choosing your next one is a simple matter of comparison!
#2 Your Desired Screen Resolution
This one’s pretty simple. How detailed of an image do you want when looking at a laptop screen?
Are you after a Full HD (1080p), Quad HD (1440p), or an Ultra HD (4K) resolution display? Typically, more pixels need a larger screen!
#3 How Portable or Light Weight Your Laptop Should Be
This mainly depends on what you’ll be using your laptop for. Let me break it down further here.
When to Go for Compact Laptops
Is it for school, work, or while you travel?
If that’s the case, compact laptops are right up your alley. Just make sure it offers enough power and storage for your needs.
Remember, a larger display typically comes with a heftier device! Carrying that extra weight around doesn’t exude portability, does it?
When Larger Laptops Are Ideal
If it’s mostly for home use or you’ll only take it out occasionally, size isn’t going to be much of a challenge. In fact, you have more freedom to choose!
In this case, a larger screen-size laptop (despite the heavier computer) even boosts your experience!
#4 How Often You Do Multimedia-Intensive Activities
This is simply a matter of knowing what you do most with your laptop.
For simple tasks like internet browsing, e-mail, word processing, a compact to mid-range device should suffice. The smaller screen won’t impact your experience as much either.
For multimedia-intensive tasks, a larger and more powerful device is in order. If you’re a gamer or do 3D modeling and design work, a larger screen size and higher display resolution helps!
Even streaming or consuming media on your laptop becomes a better experience since higher screen resolutions and larger display sizes offer better detail and wider viewing angles!
#5 Your Workspace
Your workspace plays a huge role in figuring out the best laptop screen size for you. It’s simply a matter of fitting in your space and syncing well with your other tech gadgets.
It could be your home office or your workplace – the amount of space matters. You could even be using a multi-screen setup and just unplug your external monitor when it’s time to take your laptop with you.
Just remember some of these tips:
- If your space is confined or cluttered, get a compact device!
- However, if it’s your only screen, then a bigger laptop and screen is your choice!
Figuring Out Your Laptop Screen Size
Here are the different ways to easily figure out the size of your laptop screen.
By Measuring
If measuring the proper size of your laptop screen seems complicated, it’s not! Actually, just remember that the main idea of measuring your laptop’s screen is that it’s done diagonally!
Want your measurement to be as accurate as possible? Just measure your laptop screen diagonally starting from the top left corner and then across to the bottom right corner!
I would like to hand you some tips though:
- Measure the display part only! Some people make the common mistake of including the bezel of their laptop screen!
- This one’s plain as day, but the laptop screen size is usually measured in inches!
Using Measuring Tape
This one’s a pretty obvious choice. All you need to do is simply measure the screen using measuring tape!
How are laptop screens measured?
Here are some things you should note if you’re going to do this:
- Put the calibrated side of your measuring tape on diagonally opposite corners of your laptop screen! Start from the top left corner and make your way across to the bottom right corner.
- Check if your measuring tape is clean! It’s just a precaution since it can dirty your screen.
Without Measuring
You can also find laptops’ screen sizes without having to measure them. I’ll tell you how.
By Checking Your Manual
Another straightforward way, right? If you don’t have measuring tape or are unsure whether your measurement was accurate, simply check your laptop’s manual!
You should be able to search for your laptop screen dimensions there!
By Checking the Sticker
All I really need to do is check a sticker?
Yes! Every laptop usually has a sticker on its backside containing important information about it.
Here you can find your laptop model and vital specifications. It even contains the display size!
By Looking at Your Screen’s Top Right Side
For other laptops, if you can’t find it on the sticker, the screen size is written (in numbers) on its top right side!
By Searching for It on Windows 10
You can find your display information on Windows 10 just by finding the Advanced Display Settings. You can do that by following these steps:
- Go to the Search panel in your Taskbar
- Type in “advanced display”
- After typing, Windows will suggest opening the “View advanced display info”
- Simply click on that and you’ll see your Advanced Display Settings
Here, Windows shows information like your screen resolution, video card model, color format, and your laptop’s screen size.
Disclaimer: This doesn’t work for all laptop models with Windows. The information shown could depend on your laptop brand.
By Visiting Your Laptop’s Official Website
Simple, right? Just by visiting your laptop brand’s official website and searching with the exact model number, you can easily find the exact size of your laptop screen!
By Searching the Internet
Remember that Google is your friend! If you want to figure out a laptop’s screen size, you can simply type in screen size and your laptop’s model name in Google’s search engine!
Various Laptop Screen Sizes: Which Size Is the Right Choice?
I’ll talk about the advantages of the different screen sizes here. I’ll even cover laptop sizes!
Less Than 13 Inches: Compact Laptops
You may probably know them as “notebooks” or “netbooks”. The normal screen sizes for this category range from 11 to 12 inches.
However, compact models have the following advantages:
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Saves space
- Budget-friendly
A popular example that falls into this category is the MacBook Air. This specific device isn’t light on your bank account though.
A budget-friendly example would be smaller Chromebooks, an option that’s perfect for students or young professionals who are strapped for cash.
Compact laptops have advantages, but also have drawbacks. The small size also means compact laptops don’t pack as much punch.
Their storage spaces and processors are smaller, they offer slower speeds, they even have fewer options in terms of ports and optical drives in some cases.
Less Than 15 Inches: Mid-Range Laptops
Computers in this category strike a middle-ground between being compact and lightweight. Devices in this range have a larger display size and a higher screen resolution!
They’re also a great option if you’re looking for portability and computing power. They have the following advantages over a smaller laptop size:
- Sturdier
- More powerful
What also makes them attractive is, though pricier than a compact device, they’re still affordable! They’re easy to find too since the mid-range laptop market has so many options!
A laptop from this category easily tackles basic tasks, even basic gaming! However, it’s not always capable of handling more hardware-intensive activities.
Hint: Many well-known laptop makers offer devices in this category. Try Lenovo or Asus!
More Than 15 Inches: Large Laptops
Devices in this range are also called “desktop replacements”. If you’re wondering why, it’s because a laptop in this category has enough power comparable to desktop computers.
A desktop replacement typically offers a large display, a high screen resolution, and even wide viewing angles! It’s also usually equipped with a top-of-the-line Intel Core processor and dedicated video card!
With the raw power one device in this range can provide, it’s the best option for creative professionals, developers, and avid gamers who use hardware-intensive programs!
The downside is, though you get top-of-the-line performance, the chances of it being portable and lightweight are minimal. Despite the larger laptop size, it’s typically sturdier!
Hint: You can search for brands like Alienware, Asus ROG, or Acer Predator if you’re looking for a laptop in this category.
Have Your Ideal Laptop Screen Size in Mind?
I’m sure you are!
Choosing from different laptop screens can be confusing, especially if you don’t know how. I hope my guide helped you do just that.
If you have questions, just leave a comment. I’ll gladly answer them!