55-inch TV dimensions
47.9 × 27 in121.8 × 68.5 cm
A 55-inch TV has a 16:9 screen about 47.9 in (121.8 cm) wide and 27 in (68.5 cm) tall, measured across the glass. Add roughly 0.5–1 in (1–3 cm) for the frame, and check the maker's spec sheet for the stand height.
TV size and viewing distance
Measurements
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen width | 47.94 in121.8 cm (1.22 m) |
| Screen height | 26.96 in68.5 cm |
| Diagonal | 55 in139.7 cm (1.4 m) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Guideline | Viewing distance |
|---|---|
| THX 40° (most immersive) | 5 ft 6 in (1.7 m) |
| SMPTE 30° (comfortable) | 7 ft 5 in (2.3 m) |
| 4K detail limit | 3 ft 7 in (1.1 m) |
| 1080p detail limit | 7 ft 2 in (2.2 m) |
The detail limit is the distance at which one pixel spans one arcminute, the resolving limit of 20/20 vision. Sit closer than that and you start to benefit from the extra resolution.
What to know
TV sizes are measured diagonally, corner to corner across the visible screen. A 16:9 screen of diagonal D is D × 16 ÷ √337 wide and D × 9 ÷ √337 tall, which is where these numbers come from. Many sets sold as 55-inch class have a slightly smaller visible diagonal (for example 64.5 in on some 65-inch models), so treat these figures as the upper bound.
For the furniture, plan on the panel being a little larger than the glass. Thin-bezel TVs add very little; older or budget sets can add an inch or more on each side. The stand or feet usually set the minimum width of the TV console, so compare the stand footprint on the product page before you buy.
Questions people ask
How wide is a 55-inch TV?
The screen of a 55-inch 16:9 TV is 47.9 in (121.8 cm) wide. The whole TV is usually 0.5–2 in (1–5 cm) wider because of the frame.
How tall is a 55-inch TV?
The screen is 27 in (68.5 cm) tall. With the stand attached, add the stand height from the manufacturer's specifications.
How far should I sit from a 55-inch TV?
Between 5 ft 6 in and 7 ft 5 in gives a 40° to 30° field of view. To see the full detail of 4K, sit within about 3 ft 7 in.
What size TV stand do I need for a 55-inch TV?
A stand at least 52 in (132 cm) wide leaves about 2 in of margin on each side of the screen. If the TV uses feet at the edges, the stand must be at least as wide as the distance between the feet.
Related sizes
Sources and method
- Geometry of a 16:9 rectangle (width = diagonal × 16 ÷ √337)
- SMPTE EG-18-1994, viewing angle recommendation (30° minimum)
- THX home theater viewing angle recommendation (40°)
Imperial and metric values are converted with 1 in = 25.4 mm exactly and rounded only for display. Found a mistake? Report it and we will correct the page.