Choosing the Right Display Size for a Gaming Monitor

VD September 09 2021

We've all dreamed of having a big screen TV covering the wall with bean bags in front of which to play video games. While this may seem super epic, it isn't necessarily the best way to play. You may think that a big screen means a better quality gaming experience, but that's not always true. 

There are many guides about the best gaming monitor, but at this point, let's put everything about the refresh rate or response times aside and focus on a very general aspect - the size.

How important is the display diagonal for a gaming monitor? What are the advantages and disadvantages of small and large monitors? And most importantly, which size is best at which resolution?

In this guide to the optimal screen size for a gaming monitor, we take a closer look at these points.

Questions to ask before you choose a gaming monitor

First, you need to prioritize your wants and needs in terms of the gaming experience. What are your non-negotiable points? That way, you can get into your search and know what you want from your monitor. Are you planning to play in 4K and need a high-resolution monitor to support amazing movie recordings? Or are you a first-person shooter player who needs the fastest possible reaction time when making game-changing shots? 

Perhaps you've been given a new desk and chair and need a monitor that fits comfortably on them. Regardless of what your priorities are, make a list of them and keep them handy as you work through our buying guide.

Standard sizes of gaming monitors

Most desktop monitors these days are between 21 "and 27" diagonally. Everything below is more intended for laptops or for monitors with other functions, such as a touchscreen. Monitors with a large display, around 27 inches, usually have a higher resolution than 1080p (Full HD).

In most cases, 21 "to 24" diagonal models will have 1080p resolution. These sizes are also the optimal size ratio for a full HD resolution. A larger display diagonal while the pixel density is not large enough, which leads to a loss of quality if you sit too forward in front of the screen. There is also aliasing, which is not a nice thing for games, as the edges of individual graphic elements appear pixelated or not rounded.

For diagonals between 24-27 inches, a resolution of 2K or 4K should be used for the best results, i.e. between QHD and Ultra-HD. With both, you get an impressively sharp picture for these larger monitor sizes. Forcing this number of pixels into smaller displays would be rather unnecessary.

The correct distance to the gaming monitor display

Obviously, a large monitor should be pointed further from you for the best picture and to avoid eye fatigue. For most people, the most comfortable distance to the monitor is in proportion to the diagonal of their screen.

A rule of thumb is: A 24-inch monitor has a screen diagonal of approx. 60 cm, so the minimum distance should be between 60 cm and 120 cm. Those who tend to have their eyes tired on the monitor should rather sit further away from the display.

Best monitor size for gaming

After the general facts, we now come specifically to the ideal size of a gaming monitor. Here it depends either on the resolution or on the viewing distance.

Game monitors can come as small as 22″ or as large as 43″. Of course, you can always use a television as a monitor, which allows you to come to the fore even more. Your specific playing style will in part dictate the best monitor size. The same goes for the games you play and the resolution you need for the best experience.

As a whole, it is best to use a 24-inch monitor for a full HD resolution and between 24 inches to 27 inches you can choose between QHD and Ultra HD.

The optimal resolution for a 24″ monitor is 1080p that delivers Full HD. You can get higher resolution like 1440p or even 4K on a 24 ″ monitor. 1440p is not required and 4K is displayed small on a 24″ monitor. At 1080p, you will get a smooth and clear picture and you won't have any compatibility issues. Most games are 1080p compatible, while few titles are 1440p or 4K compatible.

24″ monitors are generally quite affordable, and for that reason, there is no need to shrink. Most gamers want at least 1080p resolution for the ultimate gaming experience that you can get on a 24″ monitor. They can get smaller, but the text will be more difficult to read. Your best bet for table games will be a 24″ monitor.

Since the resolution has a lot to do with the correct screen size, a powerful PC is also important. If you want to play in full HD, you need less computing power than if you want to discover the game world in 4K.

In and of itself, a 24 inch display on your desk is the most comfortable for most people. Of course, larger gaming monitors give you the freedom to benefit from higher resolutions. However, it can be uncomfortable or annoying for many people who sit closer to the screen or simply have a desk that is too small.

A gaming monitor on the desk is of course better suited for games than a smaller television.

More on this in the comparison between gaming monitors and televisions.

From a larger diagonal of 32 inches, TN panels are no longer useful, as the viewing angle is too wide and the quality is limited. More on this at TN vs VA vs IPS - which panel is better for gaming monitors?

Either you fall back on a model with an IPS panel, or from a certain size, you consider using a TV and continuing to play from the sofa.

Short Summary:

24-inch monitors are best suited for a normal desk and offer the highest level of comfort, 27 inch gaming monitors offer a higher screen resolution for more details and better image quality. A further distance to the monitor is mandatory here in order to prevent eye fatigue and to have the best gaming experience. For use on an average desk, monitors over 27 inches are too big because the screen spacing would simply be too small.

It is also important to note with larger gaming models that the computer can also cope with higher resolutions.