The #1 regret of TV buyers? Getting a screen that's too small. With TV prices dropping dramatically, there's rarely a reason to compromise on size. This guide will help you find the perfect TV size based on your viewing distance and room layout.

Quick Rule

Divide your viewing distance (in inches) by 1.5 for the ideal TV size. Sitting 9 feet (108") away? You want at least a 72" TV. Most people should size up from what they think they need.

The Viewing Distance Formula

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) recommends your TV fill about 30 degrees of your field of view for a cinematic experience. For most people, this translates to a simple formula:

Minimum TV Size = Viewing Distance (in inches) / 1.5

For a more immersive experience (40 degrees field of view), divide by 1.2 instead.

Example Calculations

6 feet away (72"): 72 / 1.5 = 48" minimum (55" recommended)
8 feet away (96"): 96 / 1.5 = 64" minimum (65" recommended)
10 feet away (120"): 120 / 1.5 = 80" minimum (75-85" recommended)
12 feet away (144"): 144 / 1.5 = 96" minimum (85"+ recommended)

TV Size Chart by Room

Bedroom (6-8 feet viewing distance)

Most bedrooms have limited space with the bed typically 6-8 feet from a wall-mounted TV or dresser. A 43-55 inch TV is ideal for bedrooms. The TCL QM8 offers excellent picture quality in these sizes.

Living Room (8-12 feet viewing distance)

This is where most people watch TV, and where screen size matters most. For the average living room with a 10-foot viewing distance, you want 65-75 inches minimum. The LG C4 OLED is our top pick for living rooms.

Media Room / Home Theater (10-15 feet viewing distance)

Dedicated viewing spaces should go big: 75-85 inches or even larger. At this size, the Sony Bravia 9 delivers reference-level picture quality. Alternatively, consider a projector for 100"+ screens.

Kitchen / Office (3-6 feet viewing distance)

Secondary viewing spaces typically work best with 32-43 inch TVs. At closer distances, you don't need a large screen, and smaller TVs fit better in limited spaces.

Resolution Matters

Resolution becomes more important as you sit closer to a larger screen:

1080p Full HD: Acceptable for 32-43" TVs at 6+ feet. At larger sizes or closer distances, you'll see pixels.
4K Ultra HD: The standard for 50"+ TVs. Provides sharp images at typical viewing distances. Essential for 65"+ screens.
8K: Currently overkill for most situations. Only beneficial for massive 85"+ screens viewed up close. Limited content available.

4K Content

Most streaming services now offer 4K content, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. Make sure you have internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps for reliable 4K streaming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Buying Too Small

This is by far the most common regret. A TV that looks huge in the store will look much smaller on your wall from across the room. When in doubt, size up. Nobody ever complains their TV is too big.

2. Not Measuring First

Measure your viewing distance, your wall/entertainment center, and doorways the TV needs to fit through. A 75" TV box is larger than many people expect.

3. Ignoring Mounting Options

Consider whether you'll wall mount or use a stand. Wall mounting positions the TV at ideal eye level (center at 42" from floor) and saves space. Stands take up furniture space but are easier to set up.

4. Forgetting About Lighting

Rooms with lots of windows benefit from brighter TVs (look for 600+ nits). Dark rooms can use less brightness but benefit more from OLED's perfect blacks.

Our Top TV Recommendations by Size

55" - Best for Bedrooms and Small Living Rooms

The Hisense U8N ($700-900) offers incredible value with Mini LED brightness and Google TV. For the best picture quality, the LG C4 OLED ($1,300-1,500) can't be beat.

65" - The Sweet Spot for Most Living Rooms

This is the most popular size and offers the best value. The Samsung S95D OLED ($1,800-2,200) is our top pick for stunning picture quality. Budget buyers should consider the TCL QM8 ($900-1,100).

75-85" - For Larger Spaces

The Sony Bravia 9 delivers reference-quality picture processing for serious home theater setups. The Samsung QN85D offers excellent brightness for bright rooms.

Key Takeaways

Divide your viewing distance (in inches) by 1.5 for minimum TV size
Most people buy too small - when in doubt, size up
65" is the sweet spot for typical 10-foot living room viewing
4K resolution is essential for 50"+ TVs at typical distances
Consider room lighting when choosing between OLED and LED TVs