Monitor Size & Viewing Distance Calculator

Use the calculator above to match your monitor to your desk. Enter the screen size and resolution, and it returns your recommended viewing distance, pixel density (PPI), the sharp-text distance, and the desk depth you’ll need.

Why viewing distance matters

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Two forces pull in opposite directions. Sit too close and a low-density screen shows soft or pixelated text and forces your eyes to work harder; sit too far and small UI text becomes a strain. The sweet spot is where pixels disappear and text is comfortable to read — usually around arm’s length.

Pixel density, briefly

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PPI (pixels per inch) determines how close you can sit before pixels show. A 27-inch 1440p panel is ~109 PPI; the same size at 4K is ~163 PPI. Higher PPI = crisper up close, but it usually needs display scaling so UI elements aren’t tiny.

Don’t forget desk depth

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Your desk has to physically allow the right distance. Aim for a depth equal to your recommended viewing distance plus ~10–12 cm for the monitor stand or arm — shallow desks push the screen too close. A monitor arm reclaims depth by floating the screen back over the desk edge.

When you’re ready to choose a panel, see our monitors worth buying and the ultrawide vs 4K breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

How far should I sit from my monitor?

A good baseline is roughly arm's length — about 50–80 cm (20–31 in) for most desktop monitors — adjusted so text is crisp and you're not leaning in or squinting. Higher-resolution screens can be viewed closer while staying sharp; lower-resolution screens look better a bit farther back. The calculator gives a number for your exact size and resolution.

What is the sharp-text distance?

It's the distance at which individual pixels become too small for your eye to resolve, so text looks perfectly crisp ('retina'). Sit at or beyond that distance and you won't see pixelation. Sit much closer and you may notice soft or jagged edges, especially on lower-density screens.

What size monitor is best for my desk?

It depends on desk depth: you want to sit roughly arm's length back, so your desk should be deep enough for the recommended distance plus about 10–12 cm for the stand or arm. The calculator shows the desk depth needed for each size/resolution combo.

Is a 27-inch 1440p or 4K monitor better at desk distance?

Both work well at a typical 60–80 cm desk distance. 27-inch 1440p (~109 PPI) is sharp and easy to drive; 27-inch 4K (~163 PPI) is noticeably crisper up close but needs scaling. Enter each to compare pixel density and sharp-text distance.