How to measure a tablet screen size

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Tablets are available in many different screen sizes. Sleek screen designs can make tablets appear similar. However, the size of the screen is a major differentiating factor before you can consider different screen specifications like resolution, brightness and more.

Understanding the exact screen size on your tablet can be very helpful when you decide to buy accessories like screen protectors, tablet cases and stands.

You might have noticed 7-inch or 10-inch tablets seem bigger than they actually are. This is because the screen is measured diagonally from corner to corner without including the bezels. In this post, you will learn why screen size is important, how to measure it correctly and the different sizes available today.

Why is screen size important?

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You might have noticed some tablet screens differ with seemingly very small margins. For example, will you lose anything if you choose a 9.7-inch screen over a 10.1-inch screen?

When using tablets, a fraction of an inch can make a huge difference in the user experience. It can be the difference between whether the tablet fits in your pocket or not, limiting portability.

Screen size determines overall tablet size and portability. Small and compact tablets are easier to carry around compared to larger ones. They are perfect on the go and outdoors. Large-screen tablets are better used at home or on the office desk. Some are too big and need a stand to hold them for comfortable use. While bigger screens offer a professional experience, portability is limited.

The size of the screen overall affects the user experience, whether you are taking notes, streaming movies or drawing. Larger screens offer a better experience.

Tablet accessories like cases, screen protectors, stands and keyboard covers are made for specific tablet sizes. Getting your screen size wrong can result in buying the wrong accessories.

Understanding Tablet Screen Specifications

Most tablet descriptions are structured as 10.1-inch display, 1920 × 1200 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio. This refers to the tablet screen diagonal measurement, display resolution and proportion.

Methods: How to Measure Tablet Screen Size

1. Check online for the size
2. Go to the settings and check
3. Use a ruler or tape measure.

Use a ruler to measure.

If you have already bought the tablet or own one, you can find out the size by using a ruler to measure it. You want to measure the length, width, and thickness of the tablet. To do this, just place the tablet on a table and place the ruler along the length, width, and thickness, then take the reading.

This will show the overall size of the tablet. For the screen size, place the tape measure or ruler across the diagonal area of the tablet from corner to corner. This is the size that will be on most reviews or online stores.

Go to the settings and check.

Alternatively, you can check your tablet size by checking its info in the settings.Simply go to settings and choose the option. All the specifications about your device, including screen and tablet sizes plus weight, will appear.

Check online for the size.

One of the easiest ways to know a tablet’s size is by checking online. You can randomly Google the tablet you want to check, and it will come up.

However, for detailed and unbiased information about the tablet, including the size, I recommend sites dedicated to providing information of this nature about tablets. 

A good example is this site or our YouTube channel, where a seasoned professional and user of tablets as digital art tools shares his opinion and recommendation.

To get the information, just go to the sidebar on this article and type the name of the tablet you are looking for. Different reviews and information appear; click on one.

What to consider when choosing a tablet screen

There are a number of things you need to have in mind when choosing a tablet screen. Most of the factors to consider revolve around how you intend to use your tablet. Others are about the strength, durability, and overall clarity of the screen.

Portability

If you intend to move around from your office to use your tablet, you need to consider how portable the tablet is. A large tablet is more difficult to move around with than a small one.

A small one is, however, cramped and uncomfortable to use. You need to balance between portability and user experience when choosing the size.

If you need a portable tablet, you need to consider dependency on a computer connection to use it. You need a tablet that can be used without having to connect to your computer if you intend to go fully portable.

Check the overall weight of the tablet from the specifications. This will help you know whether it is a comfortable weight that you are ok carrying around. 10- to 12-inch screen sizes are considered to be a good workable size and, at the same time, easily portable.

Laminated vs. Non-Laminated Screens

If you are a regular tablet user, you must have come across these 2 terms. What do they mean?A screen is made up of 3 layers. A top, middle, and bottom layer. A fully laminated screen has these 3 layers fused together without spaces in between to form one. OLED screen tablets are examples of fully laminated screens.

Non-laminated screens, on the other hand, have these layers separate with an air space between them. Having spaces in between will result in the formation of air bubbles that reduce the clarity. A fully laminated screen is therefore better than a non-laminated one.

Conclusion

The perfect size of a tablet screen is determined a lot by how you intend to use it. Large-screen tablets are great for gaming, drawing, video editing, and watching movies. A smaller tablet is better for reading or writing.

If you are wondering how to know the size of your tablet or screen size, the steps are easy to follow. You can use a ruler or check settings if you have the tablet, or check online for the size if you do not.

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