40 vs 43 Inch TV Size Comparison
Lay the two screens on top of each other, switch ratios if needed, and see the size gap in plain terms.
Quick size summary
Compared with the 40 inch 16:9 screen, the 43 inch 16:9 display differs by about 2.6 in (6.6 cm) in width (wider) and 1.5 in (3.7 cm) in height (taller). Using the first screen as the baseline, visible area differs by roughly 16% (more total area).
- Use width and height to sanity-check walls, desks, stands, and cabinets.
- Use area difference when the diagonal numbers feel too close to call.
Dimensions use the viewable diagonal and aspect ratio. Bezels, stands, and product-specific curves are excluded. Calculation details
40 vs 43 inch TV: a small but practical step
The difference is visible but modest: 43 inches adds about 2.6 inches of width and 16% more area. Choose 43 inches when both sizes fit and the larger model meets your budget and picture-quality needs. Keep 40 inches when it already fits the room well or replacing it would be a size-only upgrade.
Actual dimensions and screen area
The 40-inch 16:9 screen is about 34.9 inches wide and 19.6 inches tall, while the 43-inch 16:9 screen is about 37.5 inches wide and 21.1 inches tall. Using the smaller screen as the baseline, the larger one gives about 16% more visible area, so area is usually easier to judge than diagonal size alone.
Viewing distance and room fit
Width changes first affect furniture, wall space, and whether the screen feels balanced from your seat. In this pair, the width difference is about 2.6 inches (6.6 cm), and the height difference is about 1.5 inches (3.7 cm). Measure the cabinet and wall before judging the upgrade only by the diagonal number.
When each size makes sense
Choose 40 inch if…
- Existing cabinets, wall openings, or compact rooms already sized around a 40-inch TV.
- Keeping a working TV when the only proposed benefit is three extra diagonal inches.
Choose 43 inch if…
- New purchases where both sizes fit and 43 inches offers the better overall model choice.
- Viewing from a little farther away, where the extra width and subtitle size are useful.
Check first
- Do not assume every 43-inch model is better than every 40-inch model; compare resolution, panel, ports, and total price.
Still deciding? Start with the room, not the diagonal
Use your seating distance to find a sensible size range, then check the real screen width against the wall, stand, and delivery path.
Comparison results
Focus on width, height, and area, not just the diagonal on the box.
Visual screen size comparison
40 inch
34.9 inch × 19.6 inch
43 inch
37.5 inch × 21.1 inch
Dimensions describe the visible screen. Check the product specifications for bezels, stand width and mounting clearance.
Detailed measurements
| Measurement | 40 inch | 43 inch | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 34.9 inch | 37.5 inch | +7.5% |
| Height | 19.6 inch | 21.1 inch | +7.5% |
| Area | 683.7 inch² | 790.1 inch² | +15.6% |
| As a 4:3 Display | 32.7 inch | 35.1 inch | - |
| As a 16:9 Display | 40.0 inch | 43.0 inch | - |
| As a 16:10 Display | 37.0 inch | 39.8 inch | - |
| As a 21:9 Display | 37.9 inch | 40.8 inch | - |
These rows show the diagonal of uncropped content fitted inside each screen. Matching aspect ratios retain the original diagonal.
In Comparison
Summary
Compared with the 43 inch 16:9 screen, the 40 inch 16:9 screen has a 7.0% smaller diagonal and 13.5% less area.
Recommended viewing distance (SMPTE)
For a 16:9 screen, about 1.6 times the diagonal is a useful approximation for SMPTE's roughly 30° field-of-view reference.
Outline check
Before buying, use painter's tape on the wall to outline both TV sizes so you can judge them from your viewing position.
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Size Comparison FAQ
What is the size difference between 40 inch and 43 inch?
In this comparison, 43 inch is about 2.6 in (6.6 cm) wider and 1.5 in (3.7 cm) taller, with roughly 16% area difference (more total area).
Does aspect ratio change dimensions at the same screen size?
Yes. The same diagonal can produce different width and height. Wider ratios increase width more, while taller ratios increase height more.
What should I measure before choosing between these two sizes?
Measure available width and height first, then confirm viewing distance. Use width for stand or desk fit and area change for perceived size difference.
Is upgrading from 40 to 43 inches worth it?
Usually not for size alone. The 43-inch screen has about 16% more area, so the change makes more sense as part of a broader upgrade in picture quality, features, or reliability.
Nearby upgrade paths
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Screen Size Comparison Tool Guide
Use this screen size comparison tool to compare TV sizes, monitor sizes, ultrawide displays, and custom aspect ratios. The visual overlay shows the real width, height, and area difference so the diagonal number is not the only thing you judge.
How is screen size measured?
A "55-inch / 65-inch" size refers to the viewable diagonal (not the bezel). With the same diagonal, different aspect ratios change the actual width and height.
Viewing distance & field of view
A common reference is about a 30° field of view for mixed use and around 40° for a more cinematic experience. Compare a few sizes at your actual seating distance.
4K vs 1080p: when does it matter?
The benefit of 4K is most noticeable on larger screens or at closer viewing distances. Farther away, the difference vs 1080p is harder to see.
Desk monitors: comfortable distance
Ergonomic guidance commonly suggests keeping the screen about 20-40 inches (50-100 cm) from your eyes. Choose a size and resolution that fit that range.
Buying checklist (quick scan)
- Room width and seating distance
- Content type: movies, sports, gaming, or work
- Placement: stand depth vs wall mount
- Ports & features: HDMI 2.1, VRR, etc.
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