At first glance, the question might seem odd, and you might wonder if it’s not well-phrased. However, it is a valid question. Inches, in the context of screens, don’t directly indicate the size of the workspace or display area. Let’s delve into this apparent paradox and understand why a 32-inch monitor can potentially offer less usable space than a 27-inch one.
So, what do inches on a monitor really signify?
Simply put, inches denote the measurement from one diagonal end of the screen to the other. For example, if we measure a television from the upper right corner to the lower left corner and the result is 81.28 cm, we would refer to it as a 32-inch TV (after converting centimeters to inches).
Now, it’s natural to assume that more inches equate to a larger screen, given that there are more centimeters involved. However, this is not always the case, and we’ll illustrate why with a straightforward example that highlights this paradox.
Let’s Recall Older Monitors
Do you remember the older square-shaped monitors, often used in offices for tasks like office automation or navigation programs? Their square design was ideal for such applications. Now, consider this mathematical concept:
Imagine a square monitor measuring 50 cm x 50 cm. What is the total workspace it offers? The result is 0.25 square meters (m2) of surface. This means you can comfortably place an Excel spreadsheet, a calculator, and even watch a YouTube video on this workspace.
Now, shift your focus to a modern ultrawide monitor, a popular choice in today’s market. These screens typically have rectangular dimensions of 80 cm (width) x 20 cm (height). The total area of this screen is 0.16 m2, which is significantly less than the square monitor.
But, here’s where it gets interesting – let’s calculate the inches of these monitors:
- The 50 cm x 50 cm square monitor has a diagonal (hypotenuse) measuring 70.71 cm, which is roughly equivalent to 27.8 inches.
- The 80 cm x 20 cm ultrawide monitor provides 32 inches.
Now, which one would you instinctively choose? Most would opt for the larger 32-inch monitor. However, when it comes to practical usage, opening windows, working with various programs, or even just maximizing your workspace, the first monitor with 27.8 inches can offer a much more spacious and functional setup due to its squarer aspect ratio.
It’s important to acknowledge that today’s content consumption, such as watching movies or playing video games, is often optimized for wider, more horizontal screens like the 16:9 or ultrawide monitors. However, if your priority is efficient work and maximizing your usable space, it’s essential to recognize that inches alone don’t provide a complete picture of a monitor’s usability.
So, now that you know this, do you still prefer elongated screens, or would you consider the practicality of having two 1:1 monitors for work? Share your opinion with us in the comments below.