Discover the Importance of Diagonal Measurement in Computer Monitor Sizes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the rationale behind measuring computer monitor sizes diagonally, exploring historical conventions, and the implications of this measurement method on understanding screen dimensions and usability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the diagonal measurement of monitors is a carryover from television screens, which are also measured diagonally.
  • One participant explains that the 3:4 aspect ratio historically related to 35mm film sizes allows for a simpler calculation of width and height from the diagonal measurement.
  • Another participant expresses frustration that the diagonal measurement does not accurately reflect the actual screen size due to varying aspect ratios, particularly with the introduction of 16:9 screens.
  • There is a suggestion that providing height dimensions alongside diagonal measurements would be more informative for users.
  • One participant mentions personal preferences for monitor dimensions and usability, highlighting the advantages of a wider screen for multitasking.
  • A later post advocates for using average or absolute resolution and dimensions rather than relying solely on diagonal measurements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the usefulness of diagonal measurements, with some advocating for the historical context and others questioning its relevance in modern usage. There is no consensus on whether diagonal measurements adequately represent screen size.

Contextual Notes

The discussion touches on the limitations of using diagonal measurements, particularly in relation to varying aspect ratios and the potential confusion this creates for consumers. There is also mention of personal preferences that may not apply universally.

rgshankar76
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Hi

would like to know if some body can thro light on...

Why the Computer monitors Sizes are measured diagonally ?
 
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well, the ususal 3:4 aspect ratio (which had to do with the size of the negative in 35mm movie film after you subtracted for the perforations needed to pull it through a projector)
makes it very elegant to use diagonal length as the indicator of the size of the screen - instead of wrtinig both x and y, you can use d, and get x by dividing d by 5 and multiplying by 4, and you'd get y by dividing it by 5 and multiplying by 3... so an integer diagonal will get you an integer width and an integer height.
this convension has started in the 1940's,
with the introduction of HDTV it became more confusing, 9:16 doesn't give integers, and the area of the screen is deifferent for the same diagonal size in 3:4 and 9:16... but you can't chnage old habits.
 
Last edited:
So, yeah, the "dumb" answer is that's because TV screens are measured diagonally, so the same convention was carried over to monitors (unlike fargoth's eloquent explanation of why the convention originated for TVs). And, I find it rather frustrating that they've carried over the same convention to screens (monitors and TV) with different aspect ratios, because it no longer gives you a good idea of what size screen you're really going to get. Adding a few inches to the sides without increasing the height doesn't give you any larger text or images, it just allows you to fit more of them side-by-side. At this point, I'd prefer getting at least the height dimension.
 
Moonbear said:
At this point, I'd prefer getting at least the height dimension.
I've got a regular old CRT TV, so I prefer watching movies on my wide-aspect 20" LCD monitor, listening to my Klipsch speakers and subwoofer. It beats the pants off the TV for resolution and clarity and the sound is great. The extra width is also handy for keeping Outlook Express and a browser active and visible at the same time. And with this monitor, you can rotate it 90 degrees and switch the video card output from landscape to portrait in seconds, giving you the extra height that you want. The monitor is from Dell, but other seller have models with similar specs.
 
beter to get a average or absolute resolution and dimentions tahn diagonal dimension
 

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