Monitor size comparison

17" 16:9 vs 42" 16:9: Full Size Comparison

Compare exact dimensions, pixel density, content size, and desk fit for these two displays.

Display 117 in 16:9
Display 242 in 16:9
Align:
36.6"20.6"14.8"8.3"
17 in 16:9
42 in 16:9

Specifications

Metric17 in 16:942 in 16:9Diff
Width14.82"36.61"+147.1%
Height8.33"20.59"+147.1%
Area123.5 in²753.8 in²+510.4%
Diagonal17"42"+147.1%
Pixel Density130 ppi105 ppi-19%
16:9 content17"42"+147.1%
4:3 content13.89"34.32"+147.1%
2.35:1 content16.1"39.78"+147.1%

The 17" 16:9 is 14.82" (37.6 cm) wide and 8.33" (21.2 cm) tall, while the 42" 16:9 is 36.61" (93 cm) wide and 20.59" (52.3 cm) tall. That makes the 42" 16:9 the larger screen by 510.4% of usable area.

The 17" 16:9 measures 14.82" (37.6 cm) wide by 8.33" (21.2 cm) tall, with a total screen area of 123.5 square inches. The 42" 16:9 measures 36.61" (93 cm) wide by 20.59" (52.3 cm) tall, covering 753.8 square inches.

In direct comparison: the 42" 16:9 is 147.1% wider, the 42" 16:9 is 147.1% taller, and 42" 16:9 offers 510.4% more screen area. The width delta is the main desk-fit number, while the height delta shows how much vertical space changes for documents, timelines, and video.

At 1920x1080, the 17" 16:9 achieves 130 PPI. The 42" 16:9 at 3840x2160 reaches 105 PPI. The 17" 16:9 has 19% higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dimensions of a 17" 16:9 monitor?
A 17" 16:9 monitor measures 14.82" (37.6 cm) wide by 8.33" (21.2 cm) tall, with a screen area of 123.5 square inches.
What are the exact dimensions of a 42" 16:9 monitor?
A 42" 16:9 monitor measures 36.61" (93 cm) wide by 20.59" (52.3 cm) tall, with a screen area of 753.8 square inches.
Which is bigger: 17" 16:9 or 42" 16:9?
The 42" 16:9 is 510.4% larger in total screen area, though the 17" 16:9 may be taller depending on aspect ratio.
How much desk space do I need for a 42" 16:9?
A 42" 16:9 requires at least 36.61" of desk width. We recommend 42.61" to allow comfortable margins on each side.
Which has better pixel density: 17" 16:9 or 42" 16:9?
The 17" 16:9 at 1920x1080 has 130 PPI, which is 19% higher than the 42" 16:9's 105 PPI.

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