CompareDisplays.net

38 inch TV dimensions

Width: 33.1" (84.1 cm)
Height:
18.6"
(47.2 cm)
38"
(96.5 cm)

Dimensions

inchescm
Width:33.184.1
Height:18.647.2
Area:617 sq in3980.6 cm²

Size and Fit

A 38 inch TV has a width of 33.1 inches (84.1 cm), a height of 18.6 inches (47.2 cm), and a viewing area of 617 square inches (3980.6 square cm). This size is commonly used in bedrooms, small apartments, gaming corners, and compact living rooms.

Recommended Viewing Distance

Rough diagonal-based estimates: 1.5-2.5x diagonal for 1080p content and 0.75-1.5x diagonal for 4K. For 8K screens, the close-range estimate uses 0.375-0.75x diagonal.

Full HD (1080p)
1.45m - 2.41m
4.8 ft - 7.9 ft
4K UHD
0.72m - 1.45m
2.4 ft - 4.8 ft

Pixel Density (PPI)

PPI compares screen resolution with diagonal size. Higher PPI means a sharper image at close range.

ResolutionPixelsPPI on 38"
HD 720p1280 x 72039
Full HD 1080p1920 x 108058
4K UHD3840 x 2160116

Recommended Room Size

These illustrative layout estimates are not minimum requirements. Room length uses the maximum 1080p viewing distance plus 1 m of seating clearance. Room width uses 3x TV width so the display does not dominate the space.

Example room length
3.4 m
11.2 ft
Example room width
2.5 m
8.2 ft

What resolution is best for a 38-inch TV?

For a 38-inch TV, consider 4K when you watch native 4K video or play games at that resolution. Its extra detail matters more close up; from farther away, the difference from 1080p can be harder to see.

8K is not automatically better for your setup. Consider source quality, seating distance, contrast, and the resolution your devices actually output. PPI describes pixel density, not overall picture quality.

Compare seating distances and resolution choices

Compare Nearby Sizes

Neighboring sizes help show how much width, height, and screen area change around 38 inches.

SizeDimensionsArea vs 38"
36"31.4" x 17.6"-10.2%
37"32.2" x 18.1"-5.2%
38" current33.1" x 18.6"Current
39"34" x 19.1"+5.3%
40"34.9" x 19.6"+10.9%

Will It Fit?

Use the screen width as the hard minimum. Extra clearance gives the display 3 inches per side on a stand or 6 inches per side on a wall.

Screen width
33.1"
84.1 cm
Comfortable stand
39.1"
99.3 cm, +6"
Wall clearance
45.1"
114.6 cm, +12"

Other TV sizes