What Size TV Should You Buy? The Complete 2026 Guide

Finding Your Perfect TV Size

The most common mistake when buying a TV is getting one that's too small. With 4K resolution, you can sit much closer than with older 1080p TVs without seeing pixels.

Use the simple formula: Viewing distance (inches) ÷ 1.5 = Recommended TV size. For example, if you sit 9 feet (108 inches) from the TV, you should get at least a 72" TV.

Viewing Distance Chart

Here are our recommended TV sizes based on viewing distance:

• •5 feet (60"): 40-43" TV
• •6 feet (72"): 48-50" TV
• •7 feet (84"): 55-58" TV
• •8 feet (96"): 60-65" TV
• •9 feet (108"): 70-75" TV
• •10+ feet (120"+): 75-85" TV

Room Brightness Matters

If your room has lots of windows or bright lighting, consider going slightly larger. Bigger TVs produce a brighter overall image that competes better with ambient light.

Conversely, in a dedicated dark home theater, you might prefer a slightly smaller screen to avoid overwhelming your field of vision.

4K vs 1080p: Size Implications

With 4K resolution, you can sit as close as 1.5x the screen height without seeing pixels. This means you can enjoy much larger TVs in the same space compared to the 1080p era.

The minimum recommended size for a primary living room TV in 2026 is 55". Anything smaller is best reserved for bedrooms or secondary spaces.

Wall Mounting Considerations

Wall mounting can affect optimal size. Mounted TVs typically sit further back than stand-mounted ones, so consider going one size up (e.g., 65" instead of 55").

The center of the TV screen should be at eye level when seated—usually 42-48" from the floor for most couches.