Difference Between Screen Size and Screen Resolution
Sahil Dhingra
Published 21 Mar 2025
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As an AV professional, have you ever installed an AV system but got a blurry and stretched image on the display? Have you had difficulty explaining that screen size doesn’t impact the quality?
Hence, you must understand the difference between screen size and screen resolution. It will allow you to provide the best viewing experience and durable systems to the end users.
However, the challenge is to prevent image pixelation, power wastage, and system scalability. Thus, we bring you an article that explains the difference between screen size and resolution. It will also describe the popular terms, like pixels-per-inch, that are associated with them.
You will also learn how to determine or calculate the correct screen size and resolution with automated calculators to make your AV installation successful. So, let’s start by understanding the meaning of screen size and resolution.
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Screen size
Screen size refers to the physical dimensions of the display screen. It is measured diagonally from one corner to the other and helps to determine the content size on the display screen.
The AV designers and consultants must choose a screen size that fits the screen resolution. It directly influences the viewing distance, image visibility, audience engagement, and image clarity.
Screen Resolution
Screen resolution is the total pixels that make up the image on the screen. Some common examples are 1920×1080 (Full HD) or 3840×2160 (4K UHD). AV professionals must consider the screen resolution when designing the AV setup or installing it in meeting rooms or educational institutions.
After all, the screen resolution directly affects the image clarity, sharpness, and detail. Additionally, the screen resolution must perfectly sync with the screen size. It allows the AV integrators to prevent power and scalability issues.
Now that we have covered what the screen size and screen resolution mean, let’s understand the difference between screen size and screen resolution.
Screen size differs from screen resolution even though they are not directly interdependent. Let’s understand their differences in various aspects.
| Aspect | Screen Size | Screen Resolution |
| Definition | It refers to the physical measurements of the screen. | Total number of the pixels that make up the image on the screen |
| Impact on Image | An incompatible screen size can lead to image size, visibility, and audience engagement issues. | A display with improper screen resolution can impact image sharpness, detail, and clarity. |
| Key Metric | It is usually measured diagonally and in inches | Measured in pixels, it determines the pixel density in an inch (pixels-per-inch) |
| Common Challenges | Choosing the right screen size without causing image distortion and ensuring optimal viewing from all angles | Balancing resolution with the screen size of the AV display to prevent power wastage, scalability issues, and image pixelation. |
| Technical Factors | Technical aspects that affect the screen size are viewing distance, aspect ratio, screen gain, and room acoustics | Factors like pixel density, content format (4K, 8K), screen refresh rate, and source device compatibility affect the screen resolution. |
| Examples | A 120” screen can display an overstretched image if connected with low-resolution devices like DVD players, digital cameras, or home theater receivers. | A 4K resolution on a 50” screen in a small meeting room will lead to power wastage. Additionally, people farther than 6 feet won’t be able to notice the finer aspects of the 4K resolution. This is why the resolution must be compatible with screen size, room size, and viewing distance. |
| AV Professional Tip | To prevent such issues, you must use automated screen size calculators to ensure the screen size is compatible with room dimensions, orientation, and other aspects. | AV professionals can use free viewing distance calculators to find the optimal resolution based on the audience’s seating distance. |
Understanding the basic terms used to explain screen size or resolution is essential. It helps people better comprehend and explain these aspects. So, without further ado, let’s start.
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Understanding the basic terms associated with the screen size or resolution is essential. It will help AV professionals to provide the best viewing experience and clear the concerns or queries of end users.
Pixels
Pixels are the single dots that refer to the picture element. As an AV integrator, designer, or engineer, you can create several colors and a wide range of brightness by turning the pixels on and off at varying intensities.
It helps you to deliver state-of-the-art, immersive visual experiences with accurate color reproduction. Additionally, it helps them abide by the consistency and guidelines set by the prominent brands.
As a result, the display performance & lifespan of the AV display increases manifold. Moreover, the AV system becomes more energy efficient and compatible to handle high-quality displayed images and videos.
For example, it is possible to create a white screen by simultaneously enabling the red, green, and blue pixels.
DPI
It stands for Dots per inch. However, it is also known as pixels per inch and measures the total number of pixels in an inch of screen. A higher DPI means that the pixel size is smaller. It allows the pixels to be packed and arranged compactly and nicely in a small screen area.
Density Independent
It is a measurement unit used to measure the density of pixels in the Android device. It is a virtual pixel unit used when planning the UI layout to explain the dimensions or positions, irrespective of the pixel density.
Points
These are measurements of the iPhone and are independent of resolution. Depending on the screen’s pixel density, a point may have more than one pixel. App designers should consider points but design in pixels for various device types.
Calculating Screen size is crucial for the AV integrators when designing the AV setups or suggesting the AV design. It aids them in ensuring a screen is compatible with resolution, room size, and viewing conditions. Additionally, it ensures that the viewing conditions are optimal.
It is natural to wonder which automated calculator suits your client’s needs. This is where XTEN-AV’s screen size calculator comes in. It helps find the optimal screen dimensions based on the room size and compares various screen resolutions and aspect ratios.
Additionally, it recommends TV and monitors as per the AVIXA DISCAS standard. The recommendation is based on the viewing needs, room size and orientation, projection type, brand choice, and lighting condition. So, what are you waiting for? Visit XTEN-AV’s display size calculator now and calculate the optimal screen to display your desired resolution optimally.
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In conclusion, screen size and resolution are not the same at all. The screen size refers to the physical dimensions of the screen, which is measured diagonally. On the other hand, screen resolution refers to the total number of pixels that make up the displayed image on the screen. While the former determines optimal viewing and audience engagement, the latter determines clarity, scalability, and power usage.
If you are thinking about getting a display with a higher resolution as it would comprise more pixels, then think again. The screen size must be optimal so that the audience or end users can notice the difference or finer details that come with higher resolution.
So, choose the right screen size and resolution per your client’s system requirements, usage, viewing distance, and budget for the best viewing experience.
No, a bigger resolution does not mean a bigger screen. Screen size describes the display’s dimensions, whereas resolution describes the quantity of pixels on a screen. As a result, you can have a small screen with a high resolution or a large screen with a low resolution.
“Screen size” refers to a display’s physical dimensions, which are usually measured diagonally in inches. On the other hand, “screen resolution” refers to the number of pixels displayed on a screen, which essentially determines image clarity and detail on the display.
You can find your display’s screen size and resolution from the device. To see the screen resolution, go to your device’s display settings and find the information usually listed as “Display Resolution.” This will display your screen’s pixel count (width x height), which is the resolution.
On the other hand, you can physically measure the diagonal distance across the screen using a ruler or tape measure to determine your screen size.
However, if you want to buy an AV display or calculate the optimal screen size for your AV setup, you can use the XTEN-AV’s screen size calculator.
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AV Design Mastery + Winning Proposals = 10x Productivity!
- Automatic Cable Labeling & Styling
- 100+ Free Proposal Templates
- Upload & Create Floor Plans
- 1.5M Products from 5200 Brands
- AI-powered ‘Search Sense'
- Legally Binding Digital Signatures
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