How Wide is a 32 Inch TV?
Getting ready to mount your new 32 inch TV but not sure if it will fit the space you imagined? Planning the layout of furniture in your living room around a new TV purchase? Hoping to use your 32 inch display as a PC monitor but have limited desktop area? Or simply curious about the dimensions of the ever-popular 32 inch screen size? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how wide a 32 inch TV is along with all other key measurements.
Introduction: A 32 inch TV remains one of the most common and ideal screen sizes for a wide range of uses. The small-yet-ample display works nicely in secondary rooms like bedrooms and offices where you don’t necessarily need an immersive big-screen experience but still want capable streaming and viewing capabilities. Their compact footprint also allows 32 inch TVs to fit into kitchens, dorms, and other compact spaces.
But in order to actually fit one of these versatile panels into your space, you need to know accurate sizing specs – especially the width which can dictate where and how you are able to position it. This article will give you the exact width measurement along with all other key dimensions plus viewing distance, weight, stands, and wall mounting recommendations.
Overview of What We’ll Cover
- Exact width in inches for 32 inch TVs
- Standard dimensions and specs
- Optimal viewing distances for 720p and 1080p.
- Weight and other hardware considerations
- Wall mounting precautions and tips
- Width comparisons for 40, 50 and 60 inch sizes
Follow along for extensive details that will properly size up how wide a 32 inch television will be in your space.
What is the Exact Width of a 32 Inch TV?
The absolute maximum width of a 32 inch TV is…
28.55 inches
This width spans the full exterior edges on each side of the screen. To put that into perspective…
- Just shy of 2.5 feet wide
- Wide enough for movies but can still fit in tight spots
- Similar width compared to [average computer monitors](https://www.google.com/search?q=average+computer+monitor+width)
But what accounts for the slight discrepancy between the labeled “32 inch” screen size and an actual width measurement of 28.55 inches?
It comes down to aspect ratio, one of the most influential specs for TV display dimensions and proportions relative to the content shown onscreen.
Aspect Ratio Impacts Exact Width
The standard aspect ratio for most modern televisions is 16:9 which means the width is 16 units for every 9 units of height. This ratio optimizes the screen for viewing widescreen entertainment like movies.
Here is a common chart showing comparisons between HD resolution formats and various aspect ratios:
| Aspect Ratio | Resolution Formats |
| 16:9 | 720p, 1080p/i Full HD/HD TV/HDTV |
| 16:10 | WUXGA |
| 4:3 | HVGA |
You’ll notice that a 16:9 ratio has now become the de facto standard for widescreen TVs and monitors including our 32 inch size. But it wasn’t always this way. Older CRT televisions frequently used a more square-like 4:3 ratio which didn’t accommodate theater-style content as seamlessly.
The move towards widescreen [over the years](https://www.google.com/search?q=history+of+widescreen+tvs) gives us the true border-to-border measurement of 28.55 inches on a 32 inch TV.
Width Comparisons by TV Size
To give more perspective, here is how the width grows across some other popular TV sizes with the same 16:9 widescreen ratio:
- 40 inch TV – Approx. 35 inches wide
- 50 inch TV – Approx. 44 inches wide
- 60 inch TV – Approx. 53 inches wide
Notice the consistent 7-8 inch increases with each staggered screen size. While a 32 inch TV fits the budget and size requirements for many, stepping up gives substantially more horizontal space.
Just remember our focal measurement – a 32 inch TV spans 28.55 inches wide.
Other Key Dimensions to Consider for 32 Inch TVs
You just learned the exact screen width but considering only this one dimension won’t paint a full picture. Let’s expand into some other vital numbers and specs surrounding the 32 inch TV size.
Height
Complementing the width, the vertical edge-to-edge height equals…
15.67 inches tall
This leaves a nice balance of horizontal viewing room without standing too tall where neck strain comes into play.
Depth
While width gets most of the attention, depth comes next in importance for positioning 32 inch TVs properly.
- Average depth is 3-4 inches from back to screen front
- Can extend deeper with some cable boxes and accessories
Diagonal Screen Size
You’ll also see the diagonal screen size used frequently – this simply measures the distance corner-to-corner rather than width or height alone.
- 32 inch diagonal is standard for model naming
- But actual screen is closer to 31.5 inches corner to corner
Stand Width Range
The other component extending the full footprint is the stand sitting under the display. Stand widths can vary quite a bit between budget brands and high-end makes.
- Entry-level stands span 24.6 – 33 inches wide
- High-end stands range from 33 – 39 inches wide
Always factor stand width into furniture positioning.
Weight Range
Thinking of mounting your new 32 inch TV above eye level or away from a sturdy base? Pay attention to the panel weight itself:
- Light non-smart 32” models are as little as 10 pounds
- Feature-rich smart models extend up to 20-35 pounds
Proper Viewing Distances for 32 Inch 1080p TVs
One benefit of a 32 inch vs massive screens is that you can position them closer to the viewing position without strain or pixelation issues. But there still are some guidelines for getting the optimum picture quality without being too far or close.
Here are the recommended viewing distances based on common HD resolutions:
| Resolution | Optimal Viewing Distance Range |
| 1080p | 3.5 – 7 feet |
| 720p | 3 – 6 feet |
These numbers give you enough immersion to enjoy content without seeing individual pixels or excessive noise. Adjust within this range based on factors like seat positioning and mounting height.
Calculating Best Distance
More scientifically, the best distance equals 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size. So for a 32 inch set that means:
- 1.5 x 32 inch diagonal = 48 inches away
- 2.5 x 32 inch diagonal = 80 inches away
Anywhere between 48 and 80 inches should give a great experience for the resolution. Erring closer to 80 inches gives flexibility for full high definition.
When watching a 32 inch TV, I like to be 5-7 feet away on my couch to feel immersed without straining my eyes or head movements.” – TV expert.
Use similar quick math to adjust for your exact 32-inch screen size and seating.
Common Places 32 Inch TVs are Used
We covered technical specs, but where in your home or office might a 32 inch size make the most sense? Here are five of the best locations for these smaller yet mighty screens:
1. Bedrooms
Likely the most popular spot, bedrooms give you personal viewing on a 32 inch TV without dominating the entire space like a 50 inch or larger display. Enjoy shows in bed or while getting ready.
2. Kitchens
Mounted 32 inch TVs enable entertainment while prepping food or washing dishes. Just be sure to position away from splashes and steam.
3. Dorm Rooms
The compact nature of 32 inch televisions brings premium viewing experiences to cramped dorms. They can sit perfectly on a desk or small media stand.
4. Offices
Whether for businesses, home offices or shared family spaces, a 32 inch screen plays background media without overwhelm.
5. PC Gaming & Desktop Uses
Similarly, connect a 32 inch TV as a computer monitor for ample desktop real estate at your work station. It aligns better to average user distances than massive screens.
Think through the flow and seating arrangements for your intended room to make sure a 28.55 inch wide 32 inch TV can be incorporated ergonomically.
Precautions When Wall Mounting 32 Inch TVs
All these compact dimensions make a 32 inch TV perfect for wall mounting right? Generally yes, but be sure to heed these quick precautions:
- Verify your mount is rated for 20-40 pound capacities
- Use a stud finder and get into studs behind drywall for strength
- Leave room for cords without bending inputs
- For tilting mounts, factor clearance behind set top
Follow manufacturer guidance for your hardware and connect into wood studs whenever possible. This keeps your investment safe!
Also Read Other TV Size and Dimensions:
Conclusion & Summary
We took you through the key measurements, distances and viewing recommendations related to properly sizing and placing 32 inch TVs in your rooms. To recap:
- A 32 inch TV is precisely 28.55 inches wide
- Height is 15.67 inches on average
- Depth ranges between 3-4 inches (+ cables)
- Stands extend the full width 24.6 – 39 inches
- Sit 3-7 feet away, 1.5 to 2.5 times diagonal size
- Factor the 28.55 inch width into furniture plans
Knowing the exact width of a 32 inch TV and related dimensions takes the guesswork out of upgrading to the right centerpiece screen. Always measure twice for your available space to guarantee the ideal viewing experience.