How Big Is a 22 Inch Monitor?
A 22-inch monitor in the standard 16:9 aspect ratio measures about 19.2 inches wide and 10.8 inches tall. That makes it one of the most compact desktop monitors you can buy — roughly the width of a standard keyboard with a couple inches to spare on each side. In person, it feels noticeably smaller than the 24-inch screens that have become the modern baseline, but it has a dedicated following among people who value desk space or need affordable multi-monitor setups.
22-Inch Monitor Dimensions by Aspect Ratio
Exact width and height calculated from the 22-inch diagonal at each common aspect ratio.
| Aspect Ratio | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | 19.17" (48.7 cm) | 10.79" (27.4 cm) |
| 16:10 | 18.66" (47.39 cm) | 11.66" (29.62 cm) |
| 21:9 | 20.22" (51.36 cm) | 8.67" (22.01 cm) |
| 4:3 | 17.6" (44.7 cm) | 13.2" (33.53 cm) |
Resolution and Pixel Density at 22 Inches
| Resolution | Pixel Density |
|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | 100.1 PPI |
| 1440p (QHD) | 133.5 PPI |
| 4K (UHD) | 200.3 PPI |
Ideal resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
At 22 inches, 1080p delivers a sharp 100 PPI — text is crisp and you won't notice individual pixels at normal viewing distance. There's no real benefit to running 1440p at this size since the pixels are already dense enough, and scaling issues can make UI elements uncomfortably small.
Who Should Buy a 22-Inch Monitor?
Office workers: Perfect for email, spreadsheets, and basic productivity where you don't need a massive canvas. The compact size keeps it from dominating small desks.
Budget setups: Usually the cheapest new monitors available. A great option if you need a functional display without spending much.
Secondary monitors: Popular as a side display in dual-monitor setups, especially when your primary monitor is 27 inches or larger.
Viewing Distance
Recommended: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
You can sit fairly close to a 22-inch screen since it's easy to take in the full display without moving your head. At arm's length (about 24 inches), the screen may start to feel small for long working sessions.
Desk Space Requirements
Needs about 20 inches of desk width and works well on desks as shallow as 24 inches deep. One of the few monitor sizes that fits comfortably on compact desks and even some shelving units.
How 22 Inches Compares to Other Sizes
vs. smaller monitors: Anything under 22 inches is rare for desktop monitors today — you'd be looking at portable monitors or very old inventory. 22 inches is effectively the entry point.
vs. larger monitors: A 24-inch monitor gives you about 19% more screen area for a modest price increase. For most people buying new, 24 inches is the better value unless desk space is genuinely tight.
Buying Advice
If you're buying a 22-inch monitor, prioritize an IPS panel for good viewing angles and color accuracy. At this price tier, many monitors use TN panels that look washed out from the side. Check that it has the ports you need — some budget 22-inch models only have VGA.
Compare 22-Inch Monitors
See how a 22-inch monitor looks next to other sizes on a virtual desk.