42 inch TV dimensions
How big is a 42 inch TV really? Width, height and diagonal, the right viewing distance and the room size you need – and how it looks on your own wall.
Dimensions
36.6" × 20.6"
42" Diagonal
Viewing Distance
Daily
5.2 ft
Immersive (Cinema)
4.2 ft
Ideal Room Size
183 sq ft
(min. 118 sq ft)

Technical Specifications
Dimensions
With Frame: ~38" × 22"
(Without Frame (Screen): 36.6" × 20.6")
Viewing Distance
The optimal distance between you and the TV for a perfect viewing experience.
For 4K Resolution:
For Full HD Resolution:
Room Requirements
These room sizes are ideal for a 42 inch TV.
Minimum Room Size
118 sq ft
Ideal Room Size
183 sq ft
Ceiling Height (min)
7.5 ft
Ideal For
A 42 inch TV fits perfectly in these rooms and use cases.
Additional Information
Resolution
Minimum Resolution:
Full HD (1920x1080)
Recommended Resolution:
4K UHD (3840x2160)
Weight
Typically:
6 - 10 kg
Power Consumption
Typical:
55W
Maximum:
85W
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a 42 inch TV?
A 42 inch TV has a screen diagonal of 42". It is about 36.6" wide and 20.6" tall (without frame).
What is the best viewing distance for a 42 inch TV?
For 4K (standard on all current TVs), 5.2 ft is ideal for everyday viewing and 4.2 ft for a more cinematic feel (sensible range: 3.5 ft to 5.2 ft). For Full HD, 7 ft is optimal (range: 5.2 ft to 8.8 ft).
What room size is a 42 inch TV suitable for?
A 42 inch TV suits rooms from 118 sq ft. Ideal are rooms of 183 sq ft or more.
What resolution should a 42 inch TV have?
At least Full HD (1920x1080), recommended is 4K UHD (3840x2160). At this size, you will benefit significantly from the higher resolution.
How big is a 42 inch TV compared to other sizes?
- A 42 inch TV is 1.7" wider and 1" taller than a 40 inch TV – 10% more screen area.
- Compared with a 43 inch TV it is 0.9" narrower and 0.5" shorter; the 43 inch TV has 5% more screen area.
Will it fit on your TV stand?
Including the bezel, a 42 inch TV is about 38" wide. If it stands on furniture, the stand should be at least 42" wide – a bit more if the feet sit at the outer edges.
Wall mount: VESA and weight
A 42 inch TV typically uses a VESA pattern of 200 × 200 mm and weighs 13–22 lbs. Make sure the wall mount covers both – the exact values are in your TV's manual.
How high to mount a 42 inch TV?
With a seated eye height of 42", the bottom edge of a 42 inch TV sits at about 32" from the floor and the top edge at about 52".
Calculate the height for your room →Compare with Other Sizes
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