Monitor size comparison
42" 16:9 vs 45" 21:9: Full Size Comparison
Compare exact dimensions, pixel density, content size, and desk fit for these two displays.
Specifications
| Metric | 42 in 16:9 | 45 in 21:9 | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 36.61" | 41.36" | +13% |
| Height | 20.59" | 17.73" | -13.9% |
| Area | 753.8 in² | 733.2 in² | -2.7% |
| Diagonal | 42" | 45" | +7.1% |
| Pixel Density | 105 ppi | 123 ppi | +17.7% |
| 16:9 content | 42" | 36.16" | -13.9% |
| 4:3 content | 34.32" | 29.54" | -13.9% |
| 2.35:1 content | 39.78" | 44.95" | +13% |
The 42" 16:9 is 36.61" (93 cm) wide and 20.59" (52.3 cm) tall, while the 45" 21:9 is 41.36" (105.1 cm) wide and 17.73" (45 cm) tall. That makes the 42" 16:9 the larger screen by 2.7% of usable area.
The 42" 16:9 measures 36.61" (93 cm) wide by 20.59" (52.3 cm) tall, with a total screen area of 753.8 square inches. The 45" 21:9 measures 41.36" (105.1 cm) wide by 17.73" (45 cm) tall, covering 733.2 square inches.
In direct comparison: the 45" 21:9 is 13% wider, the 42" 16:9 is 13.9% taller, and 42" 16:9 offers 2.7% 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 3840x2160, the 42" 16:9 achieves 105 PPI. The 45" 21:9 at 5120x2160 reaches 123 PPI. The 45" 21:9 has 17.7% higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images.
For 16:9 content (most videos and games), the 42" 16:9 provides an effective diagonal of 42", while the 45" 21:9 provides 36.2". This is crucial when comparing ultrawides to standard displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
- What are the exact dimensions of a 45" 21:9 monitor?
- A 45" 21:9 monitor measures 41.36" (105.1 cm) wide by 17.73" (45 cm) tall, with a screen area of 733.2 square inches.
- Which is bigger: 42" 16:9 or 45" 21:9?
- The 42" 16:9 is 2.7% larger in total screen area.
- How much desk space do I need for a 45" 21:9?
- A 45" 21:9 requires at least 41.36" of desk width. We recommend 47.36" to allow comfortable margins on each side.
- Which has better pixel density: 42" 16:9 or 45" 21:9?
- The 45" 21:9 at 5120x2160 has 123 PPI, which is 17.7% higher than the 42" 16:9's 105 PPI.
- How does 16:9 content look on these displays?
- On the 42" 16:9, 16:9 content appears at an effective 42" diagonal. On the 45" 21:9, it appears at 36.2". Ultrawides display 16:9 content with black bars on the sides.