Monitor size comparison
40" 21:9 vs 42" 16:9: Full Size Comparison
Compare exact dimensions, pixel density, content size, and desk fit for these two displays.
Specifications
| Metric | 40 in 21:9 | 42 in 16:9 | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 36.77" | 36.61" | -0.4% |
| Height | 15.76" | 20.59" | +30.7% |
| Area | 579.3 in² | 753.8 in² | +30.1% |
| Diagonal | 40" | 42" | +5% |
| Pixel Density | 139 ppi | 105 ppi | -24.5% |
| 16:9 content | 32.14" | 42" | +30.7% |
| 4:3 content | 26.26" | 34.32" | +30.7% |
| 2.35:1 content | 39.96" | 39.78" | -0.4% |
The 40" 21:9 is 36.77" (93.4 cm) wide and 15.76" (40 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 30.1% of usable area.
The 40" 21:9 measures 36.77" (93.4 cm) wide by 15.76" (40 cm) tall, with a total screen area of 579.3 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 40" 21:9 is 0.4% wider, the 42" 16:9 is 30.7% taller, and 42" 16:9 offers 30.1% 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 5120x2160, the 40" 21:9 achieves 139 PPI. The 42" 16:9 at 3840x2160 reaches 105 PPI. The 40" 21:9 has 24.5% higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images.
For 16:9 content (most videos and games), the 40" 21:9 provides an effective diagonal of 32.1", while the 42" 16:9 provides 42". This is crucial when comparing ultrawides to standard displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the exact dimensions of a 40" 21:9 monitor?
- A 40" 21:9 monitor measures 36.77" (93.4 cm) wide by 15.76" (40 cm) tall, with a screen area of 579.3 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: 40" 21:9 or 42" 16:9?
- The 42" 16:9 is 30.1% larger in total screen area, though the 40" 21:9 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: 40" 21:9 or 42" 16:9?
- The 40" 21:9 at 5120x2160 has 139 PPI, which is 24.5% higher than the 42" 16:9's 105 PPI.
- How does 16:9 content look on these displays?
- On the 40" 21:9, 16:9 content appears at an effective 32.1" diagonal. On the 42" 16:9, it appears at 42". Ultrawides display 16:9 content with black bars on the sides.