How To Measure Your Laptop Computer: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

Home » How To Measure A Laptop Screen » How To Measure Your Laptop Computer: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Properly Measure a Laptop to Get the Right Size Sleeve or Case PDF download Download Article

Get your notebook computer's dimensions before buying a case, bag, or sleeve

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Kyle Smith

Last Updated: December 26, 2024 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Screen Size
    • |
  • Height
    • |
  • Width
    • |
  • Depth
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 336,358 times.

Need to purchase a laptop bag or protective sleeve? Find the dimensions of your PC laptop or MacBook before hitting the buy button! Measuring your laptop ahead of time could save you from having to return a too-large or too-small sleeve or carrying case. This wikiHow guide will show you how to measure your laptop computer. You just need a tape measure (or a ruler).

Things You Should Know

  • When finding the screen size, measure from one corner to the opposite corner (diagonally).
  • Get the height of your laptop (also called the thickness) by measuring from the bottom of the laptop to the top surface while the screen is shut.
  • Measure the width and depth by measuring along the front and side of the laptop.[1]

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 4:

Screen Size

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Get a standard tape measure. 1 Get a standard tape measure. Screens are typically measured in inches, though different regions may use the metric system (cm) over imperial units (inches). If you need to, you can convert your measurement afterwards![2]
    • You can use a ruler as an alternative to the tape measure.
    • If you’re looking for more screen space, try connecting your laptop to a monitor. Or, you can always hook it up to a projector.
  2. Step 2 Find your starting measuring point. 2 Find your starting measuring point. Screens are typically measured diagonally, so your starting point will be one corner of the screen. Screen size only measures the actual screen, not the enclosure or bezels, so start your measurement where the visible part of the screen starts. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Extend your tape measure to the opposite corner. 3 Extend your tape measure to the opposite corner. Remember that you are measuring just the visible portion of the screen, not any of the enclosure.
    • Warning: Make sure not to scratch your screen with the tape measure. You can hold the tape measure a couple centimeters away from the screen while measuring.
    • Screens were originally measured diagonally to make the size sound more impressive.
  4. Step 4 Convert your measurements to tenths of an inch. 4 Convert your measurements to tenths of an inch. Most retailers advertise screens in tenths of inches (15.3", 17.1", etc.), but most tape measures are marked in 16ths of an inch. To convert to a decimal form, divide the number of 16th marks by 16.
    • For example, if you measure your screen as 14 and 4/16th inches, divide 4 by 16 to get 0.25 inches. Add that to 14 for a total of 14.25 inches.
  5. Step 5 Convert inches to centimeters (if necessary). 5 Convert inches to centimeters (if necessary). If you need to know the size of the screen in centimeters but only have the inches measurement, multiply the inches by 2.54 to find the measurement in centimeters.
    • For example, a 13.3 inch screen is 33.8 centimeters (13.3 x 2.54 = 33.782).
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 4:

Height

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Close the laptop screen. 1 Close the laptop screen. The laptop's height is measured with a closed screen.
  2. Step 2 Start your tape measure at the bottom of one of the sides. 2 Start your tape measure at the bottom of one of the sides. If your laptop slopes when closed, measure the thickest part.[3]
  3. Step 3 Measure up to the top of the closed screen. 3 Measure up to the top of the closed screen. Laptops aren't usually taller than two inches.
  4. Step 4 Convert inches to centimeters (if necessary). 4 Convert inches to centimeters (if necessary). If you need to know the height in centimeters but only have the inches measurement, multiply the inches by 2.54 to find the measurement in centimeters.
    • For example, a 1.5 inch tall laptop is 3.8 centimeters (1.5 x 2.54 = 3.81).
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 4:

Width

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Start the tape measure at the front left or right corner. 1 Start the tape measure at the front left or right corner. Measuring the front is easiest because there are no protruding ports.[4]
  2. Step 2 Measure straight across the front of the laptop to the other front corner. 2 Measure straight across the front of the laptop to the other front corner. Make sure to measure all the way to the end of any rounded edges.
  3. Step 3 Convert inches to centimeters (if necessary). 3 Convert inches to centimeters (if necessary). If you need to know the width in centimeters but only have the inches measurement, multiply the inches by 2.54 to find the measurement in centimeters.
    • For example, a 14 inch wide laptop is 35.6 centimeters (14 x 2.54 = 35.56).
    4. Advertisement
Part 4 Part 4 of 4:

Depth

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Start the tape measure at the back left or right corner. 1 Start the tape measure at the back left or right corner.
  2. Step 2 Measure straight down the side of the laptop to the front corner. 2 Measure straight down the side of the laptop to the front corner. Make sure to measure all the way to the end of any rounded edges.
  3. Step 3 Convert inches to centimeters (if necessary). 3 Convert inches to centimeters (if necessary). If you need to know the depth in centimeters but only have the inches measurement, multiply the inches by 2.54 to find the measurement in centimeters.
    • For example, a 12 inch deep laptop is 30.5 centimeters (12 x 2.54 = 30.48).
  4. Step 4 Buy a case. 4 Buy a case. Now that you have all of the necessary measurements, you’re ready to purchase a case, sleeve, or laptop bag!
    • Check out our guide for shopping online and finding coupons.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Is there a command to get the height or dimensions of my computer? Community Answer Community Answer No, but you can use a regular ruler. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 5
  • Question Without any measuring tape can we get the size from the computer system software? Community Answer Community Answer You can see it with the monitor properties (is it a 15 inch monitor or 17 inch monitor). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 13
  • Question How should I measure the length and width of the laptop? Community Answer Community Answer You should use a ruler or tape measure, and measure it diagonally across the screen. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Measure an iPad for a CaseHow toMeasure an iPad for a Case Measure Monitor SizeHow to Measure a Monitor or Computer Screen: Easy Guide Measure the Size of a TV Screen4 Easy Ways to Properly Measure Your TV Screen Find out the Size of a Hard DriveHow toFind out the Size of a Hard Drive Measure a TVHow to Measure a TV: Simple Measurement Techniques Measure LuggageHow to Measure Luggage Dimensions for Any Bag Measure the Length x Width x Height of Shipping BoxesHow to Measure a Box for Shipping Measure Jacket SizeHow toMeasure Jacket Size Measure PaperHow toMeasure Paper Measure a MattressHow toMeasure a Mattress Check Your Screen ResolutionHow to Check Your Screen Resolution on a Computer or Mobile Device Measure in InchesHow Big Is an Inch? Here's How to Measure Accurately Take Body MeasurementsHow toTake Body Measurements Take Clothing MeasurementsHow toTake Clothing Measurements Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXtvfb2KOkg
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXtvfb2KOkg
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXtvfb2KOkg
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXtvfb2KOkg

About This Article

Luigi Oppido Co-authored by: Luigi Oppido Computer & Tech Specialist This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Kyle Smith. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been viewed 336,358 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 13 Updated: December 26, 2024 Views: 336,358 Categories: Laptops In other languages Spanish Italian Russian Portuguese German French Indonesian Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 336,358 times.

Is this article up to date?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Luigi Oppido Co-authored by: Luigi Oppido Computer & Tech Specialist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 13 Updated: December 26, 2024 Views: 336,358

Quizzes & Games

What Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Kibbe Body Type QuizWhat Is My Kibbe Body Type QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Measure an iPad for a CaseHow toMeasure an iPad for a CaseMeasure Monitor SizeHow to Measure a Monitor or Computer Screen: Easy GuideMeasure the Size of a TV Screen4 Easy Ways to Properly Measure Your TV Screen Find out the Size of a Hard DriveHow toFind out the Size of a Hard Drive

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Am I Chopped QuizAm I Chopped QuizCrush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Crush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?What Does “Eat Zucchini” From KATSEYE Mean?What Does “Eat Zucchini” From KATSEYE Mean?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizAm I a Pick Me Girl QuizAm I a Pick Me Girl QuizWhat Is the I Found a Leaf Relationship Test on TikTok?What Is the I Found a Leaf Relationship Test on TikTok?

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Iron PantsHow toIron PantsCut LimesHow toCut Limes Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaHow to Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaDraw 3D ShapesHow toDraw 3D ShapesMake a Sugar ScrubHow toMake a Sugar Scrub Wear a Scarf: 19 Different StylesHow to Wear a Scarf: 19 Different Styles

Trending Articles

Rank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizChildhood Trauma TestChildhood Trauma TestAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent QuizAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizGuess My Age QuizGuess My Age Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Music Notes & Symbols TestMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizEngagement Ring QuizEngagement Ring QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Mattress Should I Buy QuizWhat Kind of Mattress Should I Buy QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Computers
  • Laptops
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --633

Tag » How To Measure A Laptop Screen