Laptop screen size is measured diagonally, from one corner of the visible screen to the opposite corner, not including the bezel. The most common laptop sizes are 13 to 14 inches for portability, 15.6 to 16 inches for all-around use, and 17 to 18 inches for gaming and desktop-replacement laptops. A larger screen gives you more room to work, while a smaller screen is lighter and easier to carry.
In this laptop size guide, we explain how screen size is measured, compare common laptop sizes, break down 13-inch vs. 15-inch laptops, and match screen resolution to size. For more laptop terms, visit our laptop glossary.
How Is Laptop Screen Size Measured?
Laptop screen size is the diagonal length of the display’s visible area, measured in inches. The measurement runs from the top-left corner of the screen to the bottom-right corner and leaves out the bezel, the frame around the display. That’s why two laptops with the same screen size can have different overall dimensions.
How to measure your laptop screen size
- Find a tape measure or ruler. A flexible tape measure is easiest.
- Start at a top corner. Place the end at the top-left corner of the visible screen, inside the bezel.
- Measure to the opposite corner. Stretch the tape diagonally to the bottom-right corner of the visible screen.
- Read the number in inches. Round to the nearest common size, such as 14, 15.6, or 16 inches.
You can also find the screen size on the product spec sheet, the box, or the model name of many HP laptops. Our guide on how to check PC specs shows where to look.
Screen size vs. laptop dimensions
Screen size describes only the display. A laptop’s dimensions, or footprint, describe the whole device: width, depth, and thickness. Thin bezels let modern laptops fit a bigger screen into a smaller body, so a current 14-inch laptop can be close to the footprint of an older 13-inch laptop. Always check the listed dimensions if you need a laptop to fit a specific bag or sleeve, as covered in our bags and cases glossary.
How aspect ratio affects screen size
Aspect ratio is the shape of the screen, written as width to height. Two screens with the same diagonal size can have different working space depending on the aspect ratio.
| Aspect ratio | Shape | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | Wide | Movies, streaming, and gaming |
| 16:10 | Slightly taller | Documents, web pages, and multitasking; common on current laptops |
| 3:2 | Tallest | Reading, writing, and tablet use on some 2-in-1 laptops |
For example, a 16-inch, 16:10 screen is about 13.6 inches wide and 8.5 inches tall, while a 15.6-inch, 16:9 screen is about 13.6 inches wide and 7.6 inches tall. The taller screen shows more lines of a document at once. Learn more in our aspect ratio and ultrawide glossary.
Common Laptop Screen Sizes
The most common laptop screen sizes are 13.3, 14, 15.6, 16, 17.3, and 18 inches. 14-inch and 16-inch laptops are among the most popular sizes today, because they balance screen space and portability. Smaller laptops travel more easily, while larger laptops give you more room for multitasking, gaming, and creative work.
| Screen size | Typical weight | Approximate footprint (W x D) | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 to 13.5 inches | 2.2 to 3 lbs | 11.5 x 8 in. | Frequent travel, commuting, and tablet-style 2-in-1 use | 13-inch 2-in-1 laptops |
| 14 inches | 2.5 to 3.5 lbs | 12.3 x 8.7 in. | Everyday portable work, school, and business travel | 14-inch laptops |
| 15.6 inches | 3.5 to 4.5 lbs | 14.1 x 9.3 in. | Home, office, and all-around use with room for a number pad | 15-inch laptops |
| 16 inches | 3.5 to 5.5 lbs | 14 x 9.8 in. | Multitasking, creative work, and gaming | 16-inch laptops |
| 17.3 inches | 4.5 to 6.5 lbs | 15.8 x 10.2 in. | Desktop-replacement use and large-screen viewing | 17-inch laptops |
| 18 inches | 6 lbs or more | 15.7 x 11 in. | High-performance gaming and pro workloads | 18-inch laptops |
Footprints and weights are typical ranges and vary by model. For more on weight by size and type, see our laptop weight guide.
Why 15.6 inches instead of 15?
Many laptops use a 15.6-inch screen because it’s a standard panel size made in the 16:9 widescreen shape. Retailers and spec sheets often round it to “15-inch” in product names and filters. Newer laptops are shifting to 16-inch, 16:10 screens, which add height in a similar overall footprint.
13-Inch vs. 15-Inch Laptops
A 13-inch laptop is smaller, lighter, and easier to carry, while a 15-inch laptop gives you a bigger screen, a roomier keyboard, and usually more ports. Choose a 13-inch laptop if you carry it every day or travel often. Choose a 15-inch laptop if it mostly stays on a desk and you want more space for multitasking, spreadsheets, or movies.
| Feature | 13-inch laptop | 15-inch laptop |
|---|---|---|
| Typical weight | 2.2 to 3 lbs | 3.5 to 4.5 lbs |
| Portability | Fits small bags and tight airplane tray tables | Needs a larger bag; heavier to carry all day |
| Screen space | Fine for one or two windows | Easier to view two windows side by side |
| Keyboard | Compact; usually no number pad | Full-size, often with a number pad |
| Ports | Fewer, often USB-C focused | More, often including USB-A and HDMI |
| Performance options | Efficient processors and integrated graphics | Wider choice, including dedicated graphics on some models |
| Best for | Students, commuters, and frequent travelers | Home, office, and entertainment use |
What about 14-inch and 16-inch laptops?
14-inch and 16-inch laptops sit between the classic 13-inch and 15-inch sizes. A 14-inch laptop gives you a little more screen than a 13-inch model while staying easy to carry, which makes it a popular middle ground for work and school. A 16-inch laptop offers more screen height than a 15.6-inch model in a similar footprint, which helps with creative work and multitasking.
Larger vs. smaller laptop screens
| Smaller screens (13 to 14 inches) | Larger screens (16 to 18 inches) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Lighter, easier to carry, often longer battery life, fit small spaces | More room for multitasking, bigger text and images, better for gaming and video |
| Cons | Less screen space, smaller keyboard, fewer ports | Heavier, need bigger bags, can use more power |
| Good fit | Commuting, travel, and taking notes in class | Desk work, creative projects, and gaming |
If you want a big screen at your desk and a small laptop on the go, consider pairing a 13- or 14-inch laptop with an external monitor. Our multi-monitor setups glossary and laptop connectivity glossary explain how to set one up. For big-screen options, see our guide to the best large laptops.
Laptop Screen Resolution
Screen resolution is the number of pixels a display shows, written as width by height, such as 1920 x 1080. More pixels make text and images look sharper, especially on larger screens. For most laptops, Full HD (1920 x 1080) or FHD+ (1920 x 1200) is sharp enough for everyday use, while 2K, 2.8K, and 4K screens add extra detail for photo editing, video, and design work.
Common laptop screen resolutions
| Resolution name | Pixels | Where you’ll find it |
|---|---|---|
| HD | 1366 x 768 | Some entry-level and older laptops |
| Full HD (FHD) | 1920 x 1080 | Most everyday 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch laptops |
| FHD+ or WUXGA | 1920 x 1200 | Many 14-inch and 16-inch, 16:10 laptops |
| 2K or QHD | 2560 x 1440 | Gaming and premium laptops |
| 2.5K or WQXGA | 2560 x 1600 | Premium 14-inch and 16-inch, 16:10 laptops |
| 2.8K | 2880 x 1800 | Premium thin-and-light and OLED laptops |
| 4K or UHD | 3840 x 2160 | Creative and high-end laptops |
Resolution names vary across brands, so compare the actual pixel numbers listed in the specs. Learn more in our resolution glossary.
What is pixel density (PPI)?
Pixel density, measured in pixels per inch (PPI), describes how tightly pixels are packed on a screen. The same resolution looks sharper on a smaller screen. For example, Full HD on a 15.6-inch screen is about 141 PPI, while FHD+ on a 14-inch screen is about 162 PPI. A 2.8K resolution on a 14-inch screen is about 243 PPI, so text looks especially crisp.
Recommended resolution by screen size
| Screen size | Good resolution | Sharper option |
|---|---|---|
| 13 to 14 inches | FHD or FHD+ | 2.5K or 2.8K |
| 15.6 to 16 inches | FHD or FHD+ | 2.5K or 4K |
| 17 to 18 inches | FHD | QHD or higher |
Higher resolutions can use more battery power, so a Full HD or FHD+ screen is a good choice if battery life matters most. Gamers should also consider refresh rate, as explained in our refresh rate and response time glossary. To compare high-resolution models, browse HP 4K laptops.
How to Choose the Right Laptop Size
Choose a laptop size based on how often you carry it and what you do on screen. If you carry your laptop every day, a 13- or 14-inch model is usually the best fit. If your laptop mostly stays at home or on a desk, a 15.6- or 16-inch model gives you more room. For gaming and creative work, a 16- to 18-inch screen offers the most space and detail.
| How you use your laptop | Recommended screen size | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent travel and commuting | 13 to 14 inches | Laptop weight |
| Students and note-taking | 13 to 14 inches | Student laptops |
| 2-in-1 tablet use | 13 to 14 inches | 2-in-1 laptops |
| Office and hybrid work | 14 to 16 inches | Professional laptops |
| Home use, streaming, and movies | 15.6 to 17.3 inches | Entertainment laptops |
| Photo, video, and design work | 16 inches | Creative and technical laptops |
| PC gaming | 16 to 18 inches | Gaming laptops |
Questions to ask before choosing a laptop size
- How often will you carry the laptop, and in what kind of bag?
- Will you work mostly on the laptop screen or on an external monitor?
- Do you need a number pad on the keyboard?
- Do you watch movies or play games on the laptop?
- How important is battery life compared with screen space?
For more buying advice, see our laptop picking and setup guide or browse small HP laptops.
Laptop Size FAQs
How is laptop screen size measured?
Laptop screen size is measured diagonally in inches, from one corner of the visible display to the opposite corner. The measurement does not include the bezel or the laptop’s frame.
What is the most common laptop screen size?
The most common laptop screen sizes are 14 inches, 15.6 inches, and 16 inches. 14-inch laptops are popular for portability, while 15.6-inch and 16-inch laptops are popular for all-around home and office use.
Is a 13-inch or 15-inch laptop better?
A 13-inch laptop is better for people who carry a laptop every day, because it is lighter and smaller. A 15-inch laptop is better for people who mostly work at a desk and want a bigger screen, a full-size keyboard, and more ports.
Is a 14-inch laptop too small?
No, a 14-inch laptop is not too small for most people. A 14-inch laptop has enough screen space for everyday work and school while staying light and easy to carry, and it can connect to an external monitor for more room at a desk.
What are the dimensions of a 15.6-inch laptop?
A 15.6-inch laptop usually measures about 14 inches wide and 9 to 10 inches deep. Exact dimensions vary by model and bezel size, so check the product specifications before buying a bag or sleeve.
What resolution is best for a laptop?
Full HD (1920 x 1080) or FHD+ (1920 x 1200) resolution is best for most laptops, because it looks sharp and helps save battery. Higher resolutions like 2.8K or 4K are better for photo editing, video work, and design.
Does screen size affect laptop battery life?
Yes, screen size can affect laptop battery life, because larger displays use more power. Larger laptops often have larger batteries too, so overall battery life depends on the processor, screen resolution, brightness, and battery capacity.
What is the difference between 16:9 and 16:10 screens?
A 16:10 screen is slightly taller than a 16:9 screen with the same width. 16:10 screens show more of a document or web page at once, while 16:9 screens match the shape of most movies and games.
Can I measure my laptop size without a tape measure?
Yes, the screen size of a laptop is usually listed in the product specifications, on the original box, or in the model name. HP laptop model names often include the screen size, such as 14 or 16.
