Monitor size comparison

40" 16:9 vs 42" 16:9: Full Size Comparison

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

Display 140 in 16:9
Display 242 in 16:9
Align:
36.6"20.6"34.9"19.6"
40 in 16:9
42 in 16:9

Specifications

Metric40 in 16:942 in 16:9Diff
Width34.86"36.61"+5%
Height19.61"20.59"+5%
Area683.7 in²753.8 in²+10.3%
Diagonal40"42"+5%
Pixel Density55 ppi105 ppi+90.5%
16:9 content40"42"+5%
4:3 content32.68"34.32"+5%
2.35:1 content37.89"39.78"+5%

The 40" 16:9 is 34.86" (88.6 cm) wide and 19.61" (49.8 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 10.3% of usable area.

The 40" 16:9 measures 34.86" (88.6 cm) wide by 19.61" (49.8 cm) tall, with a total screen area of 683.7 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 5% wider, the 42" 16:9 is 5% taller, and 42" 16:9 offers 10.3% 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 40" 16:9 achieves 55 PPI. The 42" 16:9 at 3840x2160 reaches 105 PPI. The 42" 16:9 has 90.5% higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dimensions of a 40" 16:9 monitor?
A 40" 16:9 monitor measures 34.86" (88.6 cm) wide by 19.61" (49.8 cm) tall, with a screen area of 683.7 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" 16:9 or 42" 16:9?
The 42" 16:9 is 10.3% larger in total screen area, though the 40" 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: 40" 16:9 or 42" 16:9?
The 42" 16:9 at 3840x2160 has 105 PPI, which is 90.5% higher than the 40" 16:9's 55 PPI.

Other 40-inch comparisons

Other 42-inch comparisons