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If you have ever thought about buying a laptop bag or an accessory for your laptop, you might be wondering how to measure laptop size for this purpose?
Laptops come in various sizes and form factors. In addition to screen size, you also have to pay attention to the width and depth of the chassis in order to purchase an ideal laptop bag or accessory for your laptop.
You can measure your laptop size yourself with household items. This guide will help you through the process.
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How To Measure Laptop Size?
You can measure the laptop size yourself by measuring the different dimensions of the laptop. Using a tape measure or ruler, first measure the screen size of the laptop diagonally. Secondly, measure the width of the laptop horizontally across the body. After that, the depth and height of the laptop should be measured to complete the measurements.
This step-by-step process will explain how to measure laptop size accurately.
Measuring the Laptop Screen Size
The screen size is often generalized as the size of the laptop itself. You can often see the screen size labeled as the laptop size on product pages and specifications.
Laptops come in various screen sizes, but the most common ones are:
- 11.6” / 29.46cm
- 12.1” / 30.73cm
- 13.3” / 33.78cm
- 14” / 35.56cm
- 15” / 38.1cm
- 15.6” / 39.62cm
- 17” / 43.18cm
There can be other sizes as well. Here’s how to measure a laptop screen size manually.
Step 1: Get a tape measure
You will need a tape measure or a ruler to accurately measure the screen size of the laptop. A tape measure (or measuring tape if you prefer) is recommended as it can be flexible and can have a longer range than a standard ruler.
You don’t really have to worry about the markings of your measuring tape as you can always convert inches to centimeters if needed.
Step 2: Find the starting point
This is a crucial step that is often done wrong when measuring the size of the laptop screen.
Firstly, you always have to measure a laptop screen diagonally. Its a common mistake that people measure the screen horizontally.
Secondly, the point of measurement has to be accurate. The bezel should not be included in the screen dimensions. Always start from the corner of the actual screen.
It may be helpful to keep the screen ON while measuring so you can see exactly where the screen starts and ends.
Step 3: Note down the measurements
Measurements should be noted down so you don’t forget them. It is possible that your measuring tape had markings in centimeters so you may need to convert the measurements to inches.
The standard in the laptop industry for dimensions is inches, therefore all the accessories and laptop bags use this unit as well.
Step 4: Convert centimeters to inches
If your measuring tape had markings in centimeters, it is quite straightforward to convert those to inches. Using 1 inch = 2.54 cm, convert the dimensions to inches.
As an example, if your screen size was measured at 38.1 cm, then the screen size in inches would be 15 inches.
You have successfully measured the screen size of your laptop and can browse laptop bags and other accessories.
Measuring the Body Thickness of the laptop
Measuring the screen does not complete the whole process. You still have to measure your laptop with respect to its thickness. You need this information to purchase laptop sleeves and bags.
Follow these steps to measure your laptop thickness.
- Get your tape measure.
- Close the laptop lid.
- Measure the closed laptop from the bottom to the top.
- The screen should be included in the measuring process.
- Note down the measurements and convert them to inches if needed.
You have successfully measured the thickness of your laptop model.
Measuring the Width of the laptop
The next step in measuring your laptop dimensions is to measure the width of the laptop. This would help you narrow down your options when purchasing laptop sleeves.
You can measure your laptop width by using the same measuring tape and measuring the laptop’s size horizontally from one edge to the other.
This can be done with the laptop closed as well.
Measuring the Height of the laptop
Finally, you should also measure the height of your laptop’s body. This should be done while the laptop is in a closed state.
Close the lid of the laptop and grab your measuring instrument. Measure the chassis from the very top to the very bottom, and make sure your tape or measuring ribbon is completely straight.
Note down your measurements and convert them to inches if needed.
Why is it important to measure laptop size?
You might be wondering why you have to manually measure the laptop size if you can just see the specifications?
Well, the size that is written on the specifications is usually the size of laptop screens only, and that is measured diagonally. You cannot buy the perfect laptop sleeve or bag using only the screen dimensions.
Once you have the complete dimensions of your laptop including the height, width, and depth, you can shop for a laptop bag or laptop sleeve that perfectly encases your laptop body.
How to find the perfect laptop bag for your laptop?
If you are in the market for a laptop bag or laptop sleeve for your particular model, then you should keep some shopping tips in mind.
- Search for laptop bags specifically made for your laptop model.
- Make sure to focus on the model year of your laptop as laptop shapes tend to change from year to year.
- Make sure the laptop compartment of your bag has ample room for your laptop by comparing it to your measured laptop dimensions.
- Make sure the material of the laptop bag is ideal for protection and does not scratch your laptop body.
- Make sure that the laptop bag has ample room for your laptop charger and other accessories.
Keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to shop for the ideal laptop bag for your particular model.
FAQs:
How to know laptop screen size without measuring?
It is possible to know the size of your laptop screen without measuring it by looking at the specifications of the laptop. These can be found on the product page or in the official documentation of the laptop.
The screen dimensions are usually mentioned in the product specifications in inches.
How can I measure laptop size in centimeters?
You can measure the size of a laptop in centimeters by using a measuring tape that has markings in centimeters as well as in inches.
You can also convert inches into centimeters by using the formula 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.
What are standard laptop sizes?
Some standard laptop sizes are 11.6” (29.46cm), 12.1” (30.73cm), 13.3” (33.78cm), 14” (35.56cm), 15” (38.1cm), 15.6” (39.62cm), 17” (43.18cm).
These are screen sizes that are commonly used in the laptop industry. You can find these mentioned in the product pages of laptops or in their official documentation.
Can I measure the size of my laptop with a ruler?
Technically, yes you can measure the size of your laptop with a ruler. However, it is not recommended.
A ruler is not a flexible measuring instrument, and it often has a very small measuring range. Rulers mostly come in 6-inch and 12-inch variations which are not ideal for this task.
A measuring ribbon or tape is a much better instrument for this job.
Why is it important to measure the size of a laptop in inches?
It is important to measure the size of a laptop in inches because the laptop industry uses the unit of “inches” as standard for all dimensions.
Even the screen size is measured in inches, along with other dimensions such as the width and depth of the laptop.
You can also use centimeters to measure the laptop, but it should be converted to inches if you want to use this information to purchase bags or sleeves for your laptop.