Start with distance
Measure from where you sit to the wall. A bigger TV is better as you sit farther away, up to a point where the picture no longer fills your view comfortably.
A simple rule
For a comfortable view, many people choose a screen roughly between half and three quarters of the viewing distance in inches. At 10 feet, that is about 60 to 90 inches.
Room types
Different rooms call for different sizes:
- Bedroom: 43 to 55 inches
- Kitchen or office: 32 to 50 inches
- Living room: 65 to 85 inches
- Basement theater: 85 inches or larger, or a projector
Do not forget the wall
Larger TVs are heavy. Check wall structure and choose a bracket rated for the weight. Brick, plaster and concrete need special anchors.
Try the calculator
Our TV size and height calculator shows the range for your room and the mounting angle.
Why bigger usually feels better
With 4K resolution, you can sit closer to a bigger screen without seeing pixels. Most people who upgrade say they wish they'd gone one size larger. The limit is usually the wall, the furniture and how far the screen extends past your field of view.
Wall space and furniture
Measure the wall and any furniture below the TV. Leave room on each side so the TV doesn't look crammed, and check that a soundbar fits underneath. Painter's tape outlining the TV on the wall is the simplest way to see the size before you buy.
TV or projector?
Above about 100 inches, a projector and screen is often a better value and easier to install than a giant TV, especially in a darker basement or media room. In bright rooms, a large TV usually wins. See projector installation.
Bright rooms
In sunny rooms, brightness and anti-glare matter as much as size. Consider window shades on the wall that faces the TV, and a tilting mount to cut reflections.
Common questions
Is 85 inches too big for my living room?
Not usually if you sit 10 feet or more away. Tape it on the wall to check.
What size for a bedroom?
Most bedrooms suit 50 to 65 inches depending on distance from the bed.
Can you mount a 98-inch TV?
Yes. See large TV mounting.