How Big Is a 42 Inch Monitor?
A 42-inch 16:9 monitor measures about 36.6 inches wide and 20.6 inches tall. At this size, we're firmly in large-format territory — closer to a TV than a traditional monitor. The recent wave of 42-inch OLED panels (from LG's WOLED line) has made this size popular for the first time as a desktop display. These aren't the same as a cheap 42-inch TV; gaming-focused 42-inch OLEDs offer 4K 120Hz+ with pixel-perfect contrast.
42-Inch Monitor Dimensions by Aspect Ratio
Exact width and height calculated from the 42-inch diagonal at each common aspect ratio.
| Aspect Ratio | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | 36.61" (92.98 cm) | 20.59" (52.3 cm) |
| 16:10 | 35.62" (90.46 cm) | 22.26" (56.54 cm) |
| 21:9 | 38.6" (98.05 cm) | 16.54" (42.02 cm) |
| 4:3 | 33.6" (85.34 cm) | 25.2" (64.01 cm) |
Resolution and Pixel Density at 42 Inches
| Resolution | Pixel Density |
|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | 52.5 PPI |
| 1440p (QHD) | 69.9 PPI |
| 4K (UHD) | 104.9 PPI |
Ideal resolution: 4K (UHD)
At 42 inches, 4K gives you 105 PPI — adequate but not as sharp as 4K on a 27-inch monitor. Text is readable without scaling, but some people prefer 125% scaling for comfort. 1080p at this size (52 PPI) is unusable for desktop work.
Who Should Buy a 42-Inch Monitor?
OLED gaming enthusiasts: A 42-inch OLED provides infinite contrast, perfect blacks, and incredibly vivid colors. For single-player games, it's a truly cinematic experience at desk distance.
Couch gamers: Small enough to put on a desk, large enough to enjoy from a couch at 4-5 feet. A versatile size for living room or bedroom gaming setups.
Media consumption: Movies and streaming content look stunning at 42 inches, especially on OLED. Far more immersive than a 27 or 32-inch screen.
Viewing Distance
Recommended: 34-48 inches (86-120 cm)
At typical desk depth (24-28 inches), a 42-inch display fills an uncomfortable amount of your field of view. You'll need at least 34 inches of distance. Most people using 42-inch screens at a desk push them back significantly with monitor arms or deep desks.
Desk Space Requirements
Needs about 37 inches of desk width and a deep desk or wall mount. The stand from a 42-inch OLED panel is designed for TV use and typically takes up significant desk space. A VESA wall mount or hefty monitor arm is recommended.
How 42 Inches Compares to Other Sizes
vs. smaller monitors: About 72% more area than a 32-inch. This is a massive jump — it genuinely changes your relationship with the screen. Everything is bigger and more immersive, but also requires more head movement.
vs. larger monitors: The next common sizes are 48 and 49 inches. A 48-inch is about 31% more area. A 49-inch super ultrawide is similar total area but wider and shorter.
Buying Advice
At 42 inches, OLED is the standout technology. If you're buying a 42-inch LCD, you're usually better served by a 32-inch with higher pixel density. Be aware of OLED burn-in risk with static UI elements — use taskbar auto-hide and consider an OLED-care monitor if this is your primary work display.
Compare 42-Inch Monitors
See how a 42-inch monitor looks next to other sizes on a virtual desk.