42 Inch TV Dimensions: Width, Height & Viewing Distance
42″ TV = 36.6″ × 20.6″
A 42-inch TV has a screen about 36.6 inches wide and 20.6 inches tall (93 × 52.3 cm).
Step by step
- For 16:9, width = diagonal × 16 ÷ √(16² + 9²) = 42 × 0.8716 = 36.61 in.
- Height = diagonal × 9 ÷ √337 = 42 × 0.4903 = 20.59 in.
- Add about 1–3 inches each way for the frame and stand.
42-inch TVs are a common choice for bedrooms and smaller living rooms. A 42″ screen has 58% of the area of a 55″ TV.
Details
- Screen width
- 36.6 in (93 cm)
- Screen height
- 20.6 in (52.3 cm)
- Typical size with frame
- about 38 × 22 in
- Screen area
- 754 sq in
- 4K viewing distance
- 3.5–5.3 ft
- 1080p viewing distance
- 5.3–8.8 ft
How it works
TV sizes are the diagonal of the visible screen, not the width. Because almost all TVs are 16:9, width and height follow directly from the diagonal. Screen area grows with the square of the size, so a 75-inch TV has nearly twice the picture of a 55-inch. Manufacturers list exact dimensions with and without the stand — check them before buying furniture or a wall mount.
Nearby values
Related conversions
Frequently asked questions
How wide is a 42 inch TV?
The screen is about 36.6 inches (93 cm) wide; with the frame, roughly 38 inches.
How tall is a 42 inch TV?
About 20.6 inches of screen, plus the frame and stand.
How far should I sit from a 42 inch TV?
About 3.5–5.3 ft for 4K.
Will a 42 inch TV fit on my stand?
The stand should be at least as wide as the TV’s feet; measure the foot spacing in the manual, or choose a stand about 41″ wide.