Size and Resolution
📏 Display Size Basics
How Size is Measured
Display size refers to the diagonal length of the screen, measured in inches (1 inch = 2.54 cm).
Common sizes:
- 21.5-24 inches: Suitable for desk depth of 60-70cm
- 27 inches: Suitable for desk depth of 70-80cm
- 32 inches: Requires desk depth of 80cm or more
- 34 inches ultrawide: Requires desk depth of 80cm or more
Optimal Viewing Distance
According to ergonomics, optimal viewing distance = screen diagonal length × 1.2-1.5 times
| Screen Size | Recommended Viewing Distance | Suitable Desk Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 24 inches | 60-75cm | 70cm |
| 27 inches | 68-85cm | 80cm |
| 32 inches | 80-100cm | 90cm |
🖼️ Resolution Explained
Common Resolution Standards
| Name | Resolution | Total Pixels | Suitable Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080P (FHD) | 1920×1080 | 2.07M | Under 24 inches |
| 2K (QHD) | 2560×1440 | 3.68M | 27-32 inches |
| 4K (UHD) | 3840×2160 | 8.29M | 32 inches and above |
The Real Meaning of Resolution
Higher resolution is not always better - the key is to match it with screen size:
Pixel Density (PPI)
PPI = Diagonal pixel count ÷ Screen size
Most comfortable PPI range: 90-120 PPI
| Configuration | PPI Value | User Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 24" + 1080P | 92 PPI | ✅ Ideal |
| 27" + 2K | 109 PPI | ✅ Ideal |
| 27" + 1080P | 82 PPI | ❌ Obvious graininess |
| 24" + 4K | 184 PPI | ❌ Font too small |
🎯 How to Choose the Right Combination?
1. Determine Viewing Distance and Desk Space
- Measure your desk depth
- Consider distance from chair to desk edge
- Determine actual viewing distance
2. Choose Appropriate Size
- 60-70cm viewing distance: 24 inches
- 70-80cm viewing distance: 27 inches
- 80cm+ viewing distance: 32 inches
3. Match Resolution
- 24 inches: 1080P (2K optional if budget allows)
- 27 inches: 2K (best balance)
- 32 inches: 2K or 4K (depending on usage)
💡 Common Misconceptions
❌ "Higher Resolution is Always Better"
- Problem: Ignores PPI matching
- Consequence: Font too small, eye strain
- Correct Answer: Choose appropriate PPI range
❌ "Bigger Screen is Always Better"
- Problem: Ignores viewing distance
- Consequence: Need to turn head, neck fatigue
- Correct Answer: Choose based on desk space
❌ "1080P is Already Outdated"
- Problem: Misled by marketing rhetoric
- Reality: 24" 1080P is still the most practical choice
- Reason: Low performance requirements, affordable price, suitable PPI
🛠️ Practical Advice
Pre-purchase Checklist:
- ✅ Measure desk depth and viewing distance
- ✅ Calculate PPI value of target configuration
- ✅ Consider graphics card performance (high resolution requires stronger GPU)
- ✅ Confirm if budget is reasonable
Upgrade Path Recommendations:
- Entry Level: 24" 1080P
- Mid-range: 27" 2K
- High-end: 32" 4K
Next Section: Refresh Rate - Understanding why high refresh rate is important for gaming