How Big Is a 23 Inch Monitor?
A 23-inch 16:9 monitor measures about 20.1 inches wide and 11.3 inches tall. It sits in a slightly awkward spot in the market — just one inch larger than the common 22-inch size and one inch smaller than the even more common 24-inch. You'll mostly find 23-inch monitors in corporate bulk orders and as part of all-in-one computer packages. As a standalone purchase, the 24-inch models usually offer better value.
23-Inch Monitor Dimensions by Aspect Ratio
Exact width and height calculated from the 23-inch diagonal at each common aspect ratio.
| Aspect Ratio | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | 20.05" (50.92 cm) | 11.28" (28.64 cm) |
| 16:10 | 19.5" (49.54 cm) | 12.19" (30.96 cm) |
| 21:9 | 21.14" (53.7 cm) | 9.06" (23.01 cm) |
| 4:3 | 18.4" (46.74 cm) | 13.8" (35.05 cm) |
Resolution and Pixel Density at 23 Inches
| Resolution | Pixel Density |
|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | 95.8 PPI |
| 1440p (QHD) | 127.7 PPI |
| 4K (UHD) | 191.6 PPI |
Ideal resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
At 96 PPI with 1080p, text and UI elements look sharp and well-proportioned. This is essentially the same experience as a 24-inch at 1080p — both are in the sweet spot where Full HD looks good without any scaling needed.
Who Should Buy a 23-Inch Monitor?
Home office: Compact enough for shared spaces and home desks while still providing enough room for comfortable document editing and web browsing.
Multi-monitor setups: Three 23-inch monitors fit side by side on a standard 60-inch desk with room to spare. The slightly smaller footprint compared to 24-inch panels can make the difference in tight setups.
General computing: Solid for everyday use — browsing, streaming, video calls. Not a standout size for any specific task, but a reliable all-rounder.
Viewing Distance
Recommended: 20-26 inches (50-65 cm)
Standard arm's-length distance works well. You can comfortably take in the whole screen without any head movement, which is good for sustained work sessions.
Desk Space Requirements
Requires about 21 inches of desk width. Almost identical footprint to a 22-inch monitor — the size difference is barely noticeable on the desk.
How 23 Inches Compares to Other Sizes
vs. smaller monitors: The jump from 22 to 23 inches adds only about 9% more screen area. Visually, they're nearly indistinguishable side by side. Choose whichever is cheaper.
vs. larger monitors: A 24-inch monitor is about 9% larger and often costs the same or less due to higher production volume. Unless you find a 23-inch with specific features you need (panel type, refresh rate), 24-inch is usually the better buy.
Buying Advice
The 23-inch market is shrinking as manufacturers consolidate around 24-inch panels. If you find one with the specs you want at a good price, go for it — but don't seek out this size specifically.
Compare 23-Inch Monitors
See how a 23-inch monitor looks next to other sizes on a virtual desk.