Understanding TV screen sizes

It may sound obvious, but finding the size of your TV is a pretty critical step to make sure you get the correct TV stand and it's not as straightforward as you might think.

The advertised size of TVs is almost always given in inches measured diagonally from corner to corner. So if you have a 54" screen, it will be 54 inches from the top right corner to the bottom left. It's definitely worth remembering though that this measurement won't include the size of the frame or bezel around the screen - it's just the screen itself.

The size of TV stands, however, is given as the width from side to side. Because of the difference in the way they're measured, this means that the two measurements don't correspond - the size of TV stand your television will fit on will often be less than the diagonal measurement of the screen.

How to measure your TV

The actual width of TV screens is sometimes tricky to find - if you can, it's best to measure your screen from side to side with a tape measure. This isn't always possible though especially if you're ordering a TV stand for a brand new TV that's not arrived yet. You might want to check the manufacturer or retailer's website as they often give the actual size tucked away in the product specifications.

Find the right size TV stand for your screen

Not only will having the right sized TV stand make your screen look great, but it also ensures your screen is safe. Placing a screen on a TV stand that is too small can be dangerous. Try to leave a little space either side of your screen - in case you need to get around the back for any reason. 

If you've not been able to find the specific width of your TV, we've made a handy table below. It's a guide only and we always recommend measuring your TV, but it will give you a good idea.