Looking at your laptop’s model number, checking any labels on the back of the device, and searching online are all ways you can figure out your model’s screen size without having to actually measure it.
I’ve owned plenty of laptops, of all different sizes, throughout my life. That personal knowledge, combined with additional research on both screens and measurements, enabled me to put together the following paragraphs.
All of the sections in this guide cover, not just how to discover the size of a laptop screen without measuring, but what such measurements mean and why they’re important when getting a new machine.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- There are several easy ways, including checking the case, searching online, and going over the model number, to find your laptop’s screen size without having to measure anything.
- Screen size is an important part of choosing any laptop, with lighter more portable models being much smaller than ones with powerful hardware or lots of internal components.
- Those who need a cheaper, more portable device like students, writers, and businessmen should opt for a smaller laptop, while gamers or graphic designers should go for a larger one.
Ways to Discover Your Laptop’s Screen Size
Laptops, as with most popular electronic devices, come in all different sizes. There are slim models that put a high emphasis on portability, as well as bigger machines that focus on performance, power, and strength. They are all measured by their screen size.
However, finding out a computer’s screen size isn’t always easy. It’s simple if you have measuring tools like tape or a ruler, but without them there’s a few other methods you need to employ.
One of the easiest is to look at your computer’s model number. All laptops have a distinct serial number that can be used to figure out information about the device. For example, if an HP laptop’s model number starts with 13 tells you that the device has a screen size of 13 inches.
You can also figure out your laptop’s model specifications, which are either on the casing, in the manual, or on the lowest part of the cover. That will then give you the model number, or in some cases the exact screen size.
If that doesn’t work, you can also check the label on the back of your laptop (if there is one) or see if it’s listed in the manual. Some models even have the display listed in the top right corner of the screen.
The final option, if the above ones don’t pan out, is to check online. Going to the company’s website, or even searching for your make and model on Google, will typically allow you to determine the screen size without any issues.
The Importance of Screen Size
While a personal computer is much more than its display, including base, chassis, and hardware, its size is always determined by the screen. For instance, a 15-inch is always going to be on the large side while a 10-inch screen will always be small.
For most models, portable laptops clock in at 13-inch display or lower, while desktop-replacement or gaming models tend to go 15-inches or above. That’s why so many users enjoy 15.6-inch displays, as they provide power and portability in one package.
Laptops typically come in a range of screen sizes, with the most common being 10 inches. There are also 11, 12, and 13 inch laptops going all the way up to 17 and 18 inches at the top end.
What you pick, however, comes down to how you use electronics and what you want from a portable device.
Picking the Laptop Screen for You
Size is one of the most important factors users must balance when getting a laptop, as it influences many other decisions they’ll make about their device.
Laptops in the 13-inch or 14-inch range are the easiest to use. Such models are portable, can be quickly thrown into a bag, but have enough heft and internal hardware to stream media or power more complex games.
However, users who are often on the go or who spend most of their time working at coffee shops (such as students) typically want something smaller. For such demographics, 11 or 12 inch models are best because they are extremely portable and lightweight.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who wants a lot of power and doesn’t mind dealing with extra heft, it’s hard to do better than a 15, 16, or 17 inch laptop. The machines can weigh a bit more, but what they lack in portability they make up for in features.
There’s still an element of portability to the devices, and they come with crisp displays, quick processors, and powerful components. They aren’t too light, and they can be on the expensive side. Even so, they do a good job for those who want more from their device.
FAQs
This section covers some of the biggest questions users ask about measuring their laptop.
How Are Laptop Screens Traditionally Measured?
Laptop screens, like televisions, are measured diagonally from edge to edge. That gives the best estimate of how much space you actually get, even if it doesn’t equate for the bezel or shell.
What Size Laptop Case Should I Get?
When picking a laptop case it’s always a good idea to go with something that’s a little bit bigger than your device. For instance, if you have a fourteen inch screen, you want something that can fit fifteen inches. You can squeeze, but it’s typically not a good idea.
Is 17 Inches Too Big for a Laptop?
Your laptop’s size completely depends on what you want from the model. A 17-inch laptop isn’t great for those constantly on the go, but it’s perfect for users who want a larger device that they can mainly use at home.
Final Words
Though it’s not always easy, figuring out your laptop’s screen size is normally a quick and easy process. Even if you can’t measure, there are quite a few ways you can get that information. Once you do, you’ll be able to get the model that works for you.
Have you ever figured out your laptop screen without measuring? How did you do it, and was it effective? Let us know below!
