How Big Is A 32 Inch TV? Exact Size + 9 Tips (2023)

This one’s tricky, you know…

You’re planning to get a 32 inch TV, but there’s one problem.

You’re not sure whether it’s the perfect size or not.

Well, stop pulling your hair out.

There are some things you can do that’ll help you on this matter.

What are those?

Keep reading to discover:

The exact size of a 32 inch TV.
Whether a 32 inch TV is too big or too small for your room.
9 practical tips to help you decide and get the correct TV size.
The meaning of viewing distance and how you can compute this.
And a lot more…

How big is a 32 inch TV?

A 32 inch TV is usually 27.9 in W by 15.7 H in big. So, TV sizes aren’t equal to their actual horizontal screen dimensions. The sizes on their names are taken diagonally, from one corner to another. Also, the real dimensions of the TV may vary depending on its brand, model, material, and thickness.

So, a 32 inch TV from another brand can be a bit smaller or bigger than others.

How big is a 32 inch TV in centimeters?

A 32 inch TV is 70.9 cm wide and 39.9 high in centimeters. With these dimensions, it’s considered to be part of the small-sized category. Along with models that have smaller screens such as 24 inch TVs.

What does a 32 inch TV look like in a room?

A 32 inch TV will look too small in a big room. But, it’ll be perfect in, small bedrooms, dorm rooms, or studio apartments. It’s also a good choice if the room isn’t mainly used for watching. Examples are offices and kitchens as it won’t be the focal point of the room.

Is a 32 inch TV too big or too small? 9 tips to decide

#1: Know the size of the room

First off, where do you plan to put a 32 inch TV?

If it’s a small area like a bedroom or a studio apartment, then the size is just right.

But if you’re going to place it in an open and larger space, then it might be too small.

One of the important factors that you need to consider when choosing a TV size is the viewing experience.

For example, having a large TV in a small room will provide a bigger viewing area.

However, people will be sitting too near to the TV. And this can cause problems like eye strain.

Plus, the viewers won’t be able to see the whole picture.

So, the first step that can help you decide is to take a good look at the room where you’re planning to put the TV.

If it’s a small room, it’ll be best to get its dimensions. (You’ll also need this in some of the tips below.)

But if you have a larger area, then it might not be necessary. For this, check out the next tip.

#2: Determine the use of the room

Aside from the size, also consider the room’s main function where the TV will be placed.

“Why’s that?”

Because even though the space is quite large, a 32 inch TV may still be suitable for it.

“What do you mean?”

This only applies to areas where watching TV isn’t the main activity.

Say, kitchens or home offices. As well as dorm rooms.

You can use a 32 inch TV on a desk as a computer monitor in a small office. And you could put it above a dry kitchen counter as well.

For these kinds of spaces, 25″ to 39″ TVs are usually a great fit. And this is regardless of the room dimensions.

The 32 inch TV won’t dominate the area. And it’ll still serve its function.

So if TV isn’t the main focus of your space, then you may reconsider getting a 32 inch TV. Instead of getting a larger one that’ll cost you more bucks.

#3: Consider the number of seats/viewers that’ll watch

How many people will watch in front of the TV at a time?

If it’s for single purposes only, then a 32 inch TV is usually enough. And this is also the case for a small family – with around 2 to 4 members.

This ensures that everyone has a great viewing experience, even if the screen is limited.

However, if many people will usually gather around the TV, then you may think of getting a bigger model.

But only if your budget, space, or desired set-up allows.

Note: There are still more things that need to be considered when selecting the right TV size. And we’ll tackle them one by one as we go along with the other tips.

#4: Measure the distance where the TV will be viewed

Next, do you have an exact place in mind where you want to put the TV?

If so, arrange the space in your desired layout.

For example, you can temporarily mark the location of the TV.

Put a table and a few chairs in front of it. Place them like the usual set-up of a living or working area.

Then, measure the exact horizontal distance from the TV to your desired seat.

“Why is this important?”

You may or may not have heard of this.

But there’s a thing called ‘viewing distance.’

As its name implies, it’s the ideal distance between the TV and the viewer.

And this is made to prevent headaches and eye strain.

Note: If you’re having trouble determining where do you plan to sit, check out this short video:

“How can I get the ideal distance for my TV?”

This is calculated based on the screen size of your TV. So it’ll vary per dimension.

But if you want to get a rough estimate for any TV, you can also multiply its actual height by 3.

This is usually for general use. So expect that the answer will be a few inches smaller compared to the data in most charts.

What’s the recommended viewing distance for a 32 inch TV?

Based on Rtings.com, this should be 54 in (137 cm).

So a 32 inch TV is perfect for short viewing distances.

So now that we already know the ideal viewing distance…

Let’s apply it to the actual measurement in your room.

If it’s shorter than the one recommended above, then a smaller TV will be a better choice for you.

However, if you have enough space, you can stick to a 32 inch TV.

Then if you have more, you could even go for a larger one for a better viewing experience.

But do the latter as long as other things are also considered. Like budget and the main use of the room.

#5: Get the dimensions of your TV stand

One more thing.

How do you plan to set up your TV?

Will it be placed on a stand or mounted on the wall?

If it’s the former, also measure the viewing distance. In doing so, start from the middle part of the furniture to your seat.

“Why is this necessary?”

TV stands come in different widths and materials. Some can be bulky, while some may be sleeker.

So if you already have a stand at home or have one in mind…

Then also consider its size to get a close estimate of the recommended TV viewing distance.

#6: Calculate the right TV size for your viewing distance

You already know how to get the recommended viewing distance for every TV size, right?

But, there’s one more way to determine it.

“What is it?”

After measuring the actual viewing distance in inches, divide what you got by 2. Then you got the ideal TV size for you.

Say, if you measured 7 ft or 84 in, you’d get 42.

So a 42 inch TV will be a good choice for this distance. And a 32 inch TV is too small for your area.

By the way, this formula is according to Samsung. But remember, this isn’t always accurate.

Let’s take the 32 inch TV as an example.

Its recommended viewing distance is 54 in (I mentioned this earlier).

But if you’re going to divide it by 2, you’ll get a 27 inch TV.

So in this formula, the recommended TV size will be a bit smaller.

However, this method is still useful. As you can determine the benchmark of the ideal TV size in only a few seconds.

#7: Take note of the TV resolution

Basically, the higher the resolution is, the more you can sit closer to your TV without seeing the pixels in it.

Typically, 1080p is the standard resolution for a 32 inch TV.

Based on this rule, you must have enough viewing distance to have a good viewing experience.

So if what you’ve measured is shorter than the ideal length (54 in/137 cm), then you’ll be seeing a pixelated screen. Plus, the possibility of getting headaches and eye strain.

The 32 inch TV is too big for the room. And this isn’t recommended.

#8: Check the viewing angle in your room

Viewing angle refers to how far you can get to the side of your TV without the picture getting darker or blurry.

The basic rule in this is that there’s a 30° viewing angle on every TV. And this is measured from the edges of its screen.

But don’t worry.

You won’t need a protractor here to get the exact angle in your room.

What you only need to do is to stand and observe.

If you have an old TV that is close to the size of a 32 inch, stand in front of it. Then slowly walk towards its side.

Check if you can still see the picture well as you go along.

Then take note of the longest distance where the screen is still clear.

Note: If you have a compact room, then you don’t have to worry too much about this. The area is small.

With that, you can watch a 32 inch TV from many angles without adjusting its brightness.

But do you have a larger space with scattered furniture?

If so, and you want to view the TV wherever you go, then you need one with a bigger screen size.

#9: Use tape to mark the dimensions of the TV

Are you still unsure?

If you want to visualize a 32 inch TV even further, you may also mark the space where you’ll place or mount it.

How?

Step 1: Mark the actual size of a 32 inch TV on the wall where you want to put it.

Here are its actual dimensions:

Width: 27.9 in (70.9 cm).
Height: 15.7 in (39.9 cm).

Step 2: Stick some tape along the outline you made.

Step 3: Stand a few meters away from it. Just enough to get a good look at the location.

Step 4: Check once again whether the TV size is too big or too small for the area.

This is a direct way of assessing this kind of situation.

So if you want to do a quick double-check before you purchase, then this trick is perfect.

#BONUS: Create a cutout as a reference

Lastly, here’s one more trick.

Apart from using tape, you can also draw an outline of a 32 inch TV on cardboard. (Refer to the dimensions given in the previous tip.)

Next, cut the outline. Then place it in your desired location to help you visualize the actual size more.

Well, it’s better to be (extra) sure than sorry. So feel free to do any of the last tips to help you decide better.

How Big Is A 32 Inch TV? Exact Size + 9 Tips (2023)