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How big is a 55 inch TV?
"55 inch" is the diagonal of the screen, from one corner to the opposite corner. It is not the width. For a normal 16:9 TV:
| Inches | Centimetres | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen width | 47.9 in | 121.8 cm |
| Screen height | 27.0 in | 68.5 cm |
| Screen diagonal | 55 in | 139.7 cm |
| Screen area | 9.0 sq ft | 0.83 m² |
The calculator above starts on 55 inches. Change the size or the shape, or switch to My seat → best TV size.
Features
- Width and height of the screen, in inches or centimetres
- Best viewing distance — the cinema (THX) and relaxed (SMPTE) guides
- 4K and 1080p — how close you can sit before you see pixels
- Other shapes — 21:9 ultrawide, 16:10, 4:3 and 32:9
- Seat to size — type your distance, get the best TV size
- All common sizes in one table, from 32" to 98"
The TV with its frame and stand
The numbers above are the screen. The TV is a little bigger:
- Width with the frame: about 48–49 in (123–125 cm)
- Height without the stand: about 28–29 in (71–74 cm)
- Height on its stand or feet: about 30–32 in (76–81 cm)
Thin-frame models are at the small end. Every model is different, so check the maker's spec sheet before you buy a cabinet or cut a hole in a wall unit. Leave at least 2 inches (5 cm) of air around the TV for heat.
How far to sit from a 55 inch TV
- Cinema feel (THX, 40° of your view): about 5 ft 6 in (1.7 m)
- Relaxed viewing (SMPTE, 30°): about 7 ft 5 in (2.3 m)
- 4K: you can sit as close as 3 ft 7 in (1.1 m) before single pixels show
- 1080p (Full HD): sit at least 7 ft 2 in (2.2 m) away, or the picture looks grainy
Anywhere between the cinema and relaxed distances is fine for most rooms.
55" compared with other sizes
| TV size | Width | Height | Best viewing distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32" | 27.9 in (71 cm) | 15.7 in (40 cm) | 3 ft 2 in – 4 ft 4 in (1.0 m – 1.3 m) |
| 43" | 37.5 in (95 cm) | 21.1 in (54 cm) | 4 ft 3 in – 5 ft 10 in (1.3 m – 1.8 m) |
| 50" | 43.6 in (111 cm) | 24.5 in (62 cm) | 5 ft – 6 ft 9 in (1.5 m – 2.1 m) |
| 55" | 47.9 in (122 cm) | 27.0 in (68 cm) | 5 ft 6 in – 7 ft 5 in (1.7 m – 2.3 m) |
| 65" | 56.7 in (144 cm) | 31.9 in (81 cm) | 6 ft 6 in – 8 ft 10 in (2.0 m – 2.7 m) |
| 75" | 65.4 in (166 cm) | 36.8 in (93 cm) | 7 ft 6 in – 10 ft 2 in (2.3 m – 3.1 m) |
| 85" | 74.1 in (188 cm) | 41.7 in (106 cm) | 8 ft 6 in – 11 ft 6 in (2.6 m – 3.5 m) |
| 98" | 85.4 in (217 cm) | 48.0 in (122 cm) | 9 ft 9 in – 13 ft 3 in (3.0 m – 4.0 m) |
How to use it
- The calculator opens on 55 inches — read the width, height and distances
- Switch inches, feet or cm, m for the units you use
- Tap another size (50", 65", 75", 85") to compare
- Choose My seat → best TV size and type your distance to check that 55" is right
Frequently asked questions
How wide is a 55 inch TV?
The screen of a 55 inch 16:9 TV is 47.9 inches (122 cm) wide. With the frame, most models are about 48–49 inches wide.
How tall is a 55 inch TV?
The screen is 27.0 inches (68 cm) tall. Without the stand the TV is about 28–29 inches tall; on its stand, about 30–32 inches.
How far should I sit from a 55 inch TV?
About 5 ft 6 in to 7 ft 5 in (1.7 m to 2.3 m). With a 4K TV you can sit closer, down to about 3 ft 7 in.
Is the 55 inch size measured with the frame?
No. The size is the diagonal of the visible screen only, from corner to corner. The frame is not included.
What size TV stand do I need for a 55 inch TV?
A stand at least as wide as the TV — about 50 inches (127 cm) or more is a good choice. If the TV stands on two feet near the edges, check that the feet fit on the top of the stand.
Related tools
- TV Size Calculator — any size and shape, and the best size for your seat
- 65 Inch TV Dimensions — width, height and viewing distance
- 75 Inch TV Dimensions — width, height and viewing distance
- 85 Inch TV Dimensions — width, height and viewing distance
- Online Ruler — measure small things on your screen
- Square Footage Calculator — measure the room
