Perhaps, as a laptop owner, you saw a nice laptop bag or any other accessory during a random walk on the stores or online! Perhaps, this particular accessory enticed you but not sure whether it will fit your laptop! This is where knowing the right size of your laptop comes in. Knowing the size in advance averts any disappointments that may occur later. A laptop that does not fit properly will only result in you pulling your hair out.
This article will teach you how to correctly measure the size of your laptop. We will examine the common units used to measure laptop dimensions. You will also learn alternative methods for determining the dimensions of your laptop.
Steps To Measure A Laptop Size
There are several steps that you need to follow when measuring your laptop size. Note that these steps provided can be used with all laptops even though we are using Mac. Before we start the steps, you need to note the following.
- The screen size conveys no information about the laptop’s dimensions. Both of them are distinct in that they do not contain the bezel.
- Inches are the most commonly used measuring units to measure your laptop size. But, if you prefer another unit of measurement, you can convert after completing it.
- You will need a tape measure or a big ruler to determine the size. Note it is not just to determine the screen size of the laptop, but the whole size of the laptop.
We have an excellent tutorial here that focuses on measuring screen size. It provides some useful information. Below is a step-by-step process that you can use to get the correct measurement for your laptop;
Laptop Diagonal Size Measuring
The most fundamental skill that everyone should know is how to measure the size of a laptop. The diagonal measurement is a precise one. While the procedure is not difficult, it is critical to understand what is normally done. We will be measuring an Apple MacBook in this instance. But the procedures are applicable to laptops from any manufacturer. For example, HP, DELL, Lenovo, etc.
Close your laptop and stretch the measuring tape from the bottom left corner of the laptop to the top right corner and note down the measurement. This is the size of your laptop. You may measure in either inches or centimeters. Alternatively, convert to whichever unit you choose.
Laptop Height Size Measurement
Next, we will determine the laptop’s height. For optimal results, ensure that you adhere to the instructions. While your laptop still closed, stretch the measuring tape from the top-middle of the laptop to the bottom and take the measurement. This is the height of the laptop or MacBook you’re using. Now, repeat the process, adding a bit more to the measurement each time if you’re searching for a bag.
Laptop Width Size Measurement
We will take a measurement of the laptop’s width to ensure accurate size. To precisely measure the width, lay the tape horizontally over the top of the laptop from left to right. Do not add an excessive amount of width to the real measurement for the bag or any other reason. It will appear strange and be too cumbersome to carry.
Laptop Depth Size Measuring
Finally, you will need to determine the laptop’s depth. Consider the sides of the laptops and position the tape measure vertically on the sides. This is to determine the laptop’s depth. To better understand, simply refer to this picture below. It depicts the identical movement and how the measurement was perfectly conducted. It will also give you an idea of how compact your laptop is for any other function you may use it for in the future.
Steps To Measure A Laptop Screen Size
Screen size measuring is so simple if you follow the guidelines perfectly. There are few key points you need to note before you begin the process. The list is as highlighted down below;
- The screen is normally measured horizontally, not vertically, from the display corner.
- Ensure you convert centimeters into inches.
- Ensure that you convert the 16th of an inch to the 10th of an inch. This is for commercial purposes.
With that in mind, below are the steps for measuring laptop screen size.
1. Acquire a standard tape measure
The most ideal tape measures used to measure a laptop screen is the standard tape measure that uses inches as a measuring unit. This because laptop screens should be measured in inches. However certain countries prefer metric over imperial measurements. If necessary, you can convert your measurement after you take it.
2. Identify your starting point
Screens are diagonally measured. So, you may start from the bottom left or bottom right corner of the screen. Note that the measurement only takes care of the actual screen and not the enclosure. Begin measuring at the corner where the viewable section of the screen begins.
3. Extend your tape measurement to the other corner
Although laptop screens were originally measured diagonally to make the measurements look big and impressive, this should not be the case. You should extend your tape measure from one corner to the other opposite corner and remember to concentrate only with the visible part of the screen. Read the measurements and record them down for reference.
4. Convert your recorded measurements to 10ths of an inch
While standard tape measures re normally labelled in 16th of an inch, this is a different case for most retailers as they advertise their laptop screen to tenth of inches(15.3″, 17.1″, etc.) therefore, if you want any retail accessory, convert your specific tape measure readings to tenth of an inch. If you wish to discover your screen’s retail number, there is a chart below that can help you. But you need to convert them after you take the measurements.
| Tape measure 16ths Inch | Retailer 10ths Inch |
| 1110/16 | 11.6 |
| 135/16 | 13.3 |
| 142/16 | 14.1 |
| 156/16 | 15.4 |
| 175/16 | 17.3 |
5. Inches to centimeters conversion (if necessary)
This conversion is necessary if you had your measurements in inches. If you need to know the screen’s size in centimeters, multiply the inch measurement by 2.54. By this, you will get the centimeter measurement.
An Alternative Method To Find Your Laptop Dimensions
If you don’t want a measuring instrument to determine the dimensions of your laptop, you may opt to determine the size of your laptop by its model number. The company’s websites offer all the laptop’s capabilities and features. So, you will need to visit the web to determine the proper proportions by following these easy steps.
1. Find ‘System Information’ on Windows laptop
If you are a Windows user, you have to navigate to Windows and type “System Information.” Click to invoke the conversation box. The other OS user can look for system information and proceed with these steps.
2. Search for ‘Model’ On Windows Laptop
Find the model number of your laptop in the list. The model number will help you in the following step. Remember every laptop has a model number. This is regardless of which operating system you are using.
3. Search on ‘Google’
Once you figure out the model number of your laptop, look up the laptop’s characteristics on the web. You will find the complete specs of the model, which include the measurements. So, generally, you can know the size of your laptop by simply using Google if you know the model number.
4. Finding laptop dimensions For Mac
First of all, open your Mac laptop front screen and on the upper left corner, you will find an Apple icon. Click the icon to open ‘about this mac’
Next, a ‘’displays’’ tab will pop up with a detailed information of your machine. That also includes your Mac dimensions.
5. Finding laptop dimensions Chrome book
To check your chrome book dimensions;
- Open your chrome book browser then open your laptop menu.
- On the right upper corner of your window open ‘’settings’’ followed by ‘’device’’ and then ‘’displays’’
- From the display menu, you will find your laptop dimensions.
How To Know Which Laptop Size Is Perfect?
Although it sounds simple, picking your ideal laptop size can be hectic to many. Obviously, the size of a laptop does not play any fundamental role on is usefulness. However it’s prudent to know your perfect laptop size. Below is how:
The first aspect is what your preference is. Different people have different desires when it comes to laptop size choices. Some prefer it big while others small. Another factor is the size of the laptop. The thinner the laptop is, the more comfortable it is. Also, how often you port your laptop and your working space should help you to know your perfect laptop size.
How To Know Which Laptop Case or Bag To Buy?
The easiest approach to get a laptop case or bag is to look for goods designed for your laptop model. This will assist you in locating laptop bags that are specifically designed for it. If your laptop is not widely used it may be difficult to get goods created specifically for your laptop. But this does not mean you will not get a laptop bag for it.
Simultaneously, give heed to the body’s thickness. Note some cases designed for specific laptop models may not work with other laptops. Generally, reputable manufacturers will provide more data and information on the size.
Verdict
As seen, you can measure the size of a laptop in only a few minutes. Now you know how to measure laptop size if you can keenly follow the above steps. We recommend that you write down your measurements to avoid re-measuring your laptop. Convert readings in other units using unit conversion calculators. This is because many items are normally listed in both centimeters and inches. That is only if it is necessary for you.
So, if you can perfectly measure your laptop size, it is easy to get a perfect bag for the laptop. With the alternate technique, you do not even need a laptop to determine its measurements. I hope you found this information beneficial.
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