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“Laptop size” can mean two different things: the screen’s diagonal measurement or the laptop’s external dimensions. Measure the screen to find out whether it is a 13.3-inch, 15.6-inch, or 16-inch model. Measure the closed laptop’s width, depth, and thickness when you need a sleeve, bag, desk, or stand.
What you need
- A ruler or tape measure
- A calculator, if you need to convert centimeters to inches
- The laptop, preferably switched off for easier screen measurement
How to measure laptop screen size
Laptop screen size is measured diagonally across the visible display. It is not measured from left to right, and the bezel or plastic frame is not included.
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- Open the laptop.
- Place the ruler at one corner of the illuminated display.
- Measure diagonally to the opposite corner.
- Keep the ruler over the visible screen area only. Do not measure across the bezel.
- Write down the measurement in inches.
You can measure from the bottom-left corner to the top-right corner, or from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner.
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If the diagonal measurement is approximately 15.6 inches, the laptop is generally marketed as a 15.6-inch laptop. The measurement may not be perfectly exact because manufacturers round screen sizes.
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Convert centimeters to inches
If your ruler shows centimeters, divide the result by 2.54:
inches = centimeters ÷ 2.54For example:
39.6 cm ÷ 2.54 = 15.59 inchesThat display would normally be described as a 15.6-inch screen. One inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters.
How to measure the laptop’s actual dimensions
For a laptop bag, sleeve, desk, or storage space, measure the laptop while it is closed. These measurements describe the body, not the screen.
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- Depth: Measure from the front edge toward the back edge and hinges.
- Thickness: Measure the laptop’s vertical thickness when closed.
Measure the thickest point. Some laptops are wedge-shaped, so the front and rear edges may have different thicknesses. If that applies to your laptop, record both values.
A common way to write the result is:
Width × Depth × ThicknessFor example:
12.65 × 8.35 × 0.82 inchesDo not assume every manufacturer lists dimensions in this order. Check the labels on the specification page. Some manufacturers use width, depth, and height; others list separate front and rear heights.
Screen size versus laptop dimensions
Two laptops can have the same advertised screen size but different external dimensions. Bezel width, aspect ratio, hinges, ports, cooling hardware, battery size, and chassis design all affect the body.
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| Measurement | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Screen size | Diagonal length of the visible display |
| Screen width | Horizontal length of the visible display |
| Screen height | Vertical length of the visible display |
| Laptop width | Left-to-right size of the closed body |
| Laptop depth | Front-to-back size of the closed body |
| Laptop thickness | Vertical thickness of the closed body |
How to measure a laptop for a sleeve or bag
Use the laptop’s physical dimensions rather than relying on a label such as “fits 15.6-inch laptops.” That label is only a rough guide.
- Measure the laptop’s width, depth, and thickness.
- Install any case, shell, privacy filter, or attached stand that you normally use.
- Measure again if the accessory changes the laptop’s size.
- Check the bag or sleeve’s internal compartment dimensions.
- Compare the laptop measurements with those internal dimensions.
- Allow a little clearance so the laptop can be inserted and removed without force.
For example, a 15.6-inch laptop with a thick chassis may not fit a sleeve designed around a thin 15.6-inch model. The sleeve’s inside width, depth, and thickness are more useful than its screen-size label.
Measuring for a laptop stand or desk
Measure the laptop’s width and depth, then compare them with the stand’s usable platform or the desk’s available space. Include rubber feet and any part of the chassis that extends beyond the main flat surface if those parts affect contact or stability.
Estimate screen width and height from the diagonal
If you know the diagonal and aspect ratio, you can estimate the visible screen’s width and height. This does not give you the laptop’s outer dimensions.
Use these formulas:
Screen width = D × W ÷ √(W² + H²)
Screen height = D × H ÷ √(W² + H²)Here, D is the diagonal measurement, while W:H is the aspect ratio.
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Width ≈ 13.60 inches
Height ≈ 7.65 inchesThe actual visible area can vary slightly because of rounded corners, bezel design, and manufacturer rounding. Resolution, such as 1920 × 1080, does not tell you the physical size of the screen.
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Find the model instead of measuring
When you need official dimensions, identifying the exact laptop model is often quicker and more accurate than measuring it yourself. Search that model on the manufacturer’s support or product website.
Windows 10 and Windows 11
Use this path:
Right-click Start > Settings > System > AboutThe device name and model information appear on the About page. Some laptops have several configurations, so check that the official specification matches your exact version.
MacBook
On macOS, open:
Apple menu > About This MacOn newer versions of macOS, you can also use:
Apple menu > System Settings > General > AboutThis page shows the Mac model name and other identifying information.
Chromebook
Open the Chromebook settings with:
Select the time > Settings > About ChromeOSFor additional device information, including the update schedule where available, open:
Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional detailsCommon measurement mistakes
Measuring the laptop lid instead of the display
Measuring from the outside of one lid corner to the other gives you the lid’s physical size. It does not give you the advertised screen size.
Measuring straight across the screen
A left-to-right measurement is the screen width. Laptop screen size is the diagonal measurement.
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Including the bezel
Measure the visible or illuminated display area. Stop at the edge of the image area rather than measuring to the surrounding frame.
Confusing resolution with size
A resolution such as 2560 × 1600 describes the number of pixels. It does not describe the screen’s physical width, height, or diagonal.
Assuming every 16-inch laptop has the same body size
Screen diagonal alone cannot predict the chassis dimensions. Two 16-inch laptops may have different aspect ratios, bezels, cooling systems, hinges, and port layouts.
Measuring only the bare laptop
If you carry the laptop in a protective shell or case, measure it with that accessory installed. Otherwise, the sleeve may be too tight even when the laptop itself would fit.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Quick reference
| What you need to know | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Screen size | Diagonal across the visible display, excluding the bezel |
| Screen width | Straight across the visible display |
| Screen height | From the top to the bottom of the visible display |
| Laptop width | Left edge to right edge while closed |
| Laptop depth | Front edge to back edge while closed |
| Laptop thickness | Thickest point while closed |
| Bag or sleeve fit | Compare all three body measurements with internal compartment dimensions |
| Centimeters to inches | Divide centimeters by 2.54 |
For official specifications, you can also compare the model’s manufacturer page with its support manual. For reference, see Lenovo’s screen-size guide, Microsoft’s display guide, Dell’s dimensions example, and the NIST conversion reference.
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FAQ
Is laptop size measured diagonally?
Yes, advertised screen size is measured diagonally across the visible display, from one corner to the opposite corner. Do not include the bezel.
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How do I measure a laptop for a bag?
Close the laptop and measure its width, depth, and thickness. Compare those measurements with the bag’s internal compartment dimensions, not only its advertised screen-size capacity.
Does a 15.6-inch laptop have a 15.6-inch-wide body?
No. The 15.6-inch figure normally describes the screen’s diagonal. The laptop body is wider and deeper, and its exact dimensions vary by model.
Can I measure laptop size with a phone or software?
Software can help identify the model, but it cannot physically measure the chassis. Once you know the model, use the manufacturer’s official dimensions or measure the closed laptop with a ruler.
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Should I include the laptop bezel when measuring screen size?
No. Screen size includes only the visible display area. Measuring the bezel or outer lid will produce a larger, incorrect result.
The Bottom Line
For the advertised laptop size, measure diagonally across the visible screen and exclude the bezel. For a sleeve, bag, desk, or stand, close the laptop and measure width × depth × thickness. The exact model number and the manufacturer’s specification page can confirm your measurements.
Quick Recap
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