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Gaming has become a very popular hobby for millions of people around the world, and even though they may not play the same games, they do have one thing in common — they, like you, need monitors.
But, with the market flooded with so many monitors in 2024, how do you choose the right size? What evenisthe best size? Enter our guide on the perfect size for a gaming monitor. We’ve considered many factors, from your preferred distance away from the monitor to the types of games you may play. Ready to learn how to choose the perfect size monitor for you? Let’s begin!
Updated on June 04, 2025, by Alexandrea Alix:We’ve given this guide a little TLC, adding juicy details on resolutions, monitor sizes, and aspect ratios to help you find your gaming sweet spot. Whether you’re gaming from a desk or the comfort of your couch, these updates have got you covered. Game on!
Typical Monitor Sizes
When it comes to gaming, the size of your monitor can significantly impact your experience. But why are certain sizes more popular than others? The answer lies in a combination of factors, including affordability, versatility, and the specific needs of different gaming genres.
Why 24 to 27 inches?
Monitors in the 24 to 27-inch range are often seen as the sweet spot for most gamers. Here’s why:
Why 28 to 32 inches?
As you move up in size, the monitors become more immersive, making them ideal for gamers who love rich, detailed graphics.
Why 34 inches and above?
Monitors that are 34 inches and above, especially ultrawides, cater to a niche audience but offer unparalleled immersion.
24-27 inches
Affordable, compact, quick response times
Limited immersion, smaller screen real estate
28-32 inches
Balanced size and resolution, immersive
Requires more desk space, slightly higher cost
34+ inches
Expansive view, ultrawide aspect ratio, immersive
Expensive, requires high resolution, larger space needed
Monitor Size Vs. Resolution
Choosing the right monitor size is only part of the equation; pairing it with the appropriate resolution is crucial for an optimal gaming experience. The resolution determines how sharp and detailed the images on your screen will be, and this becomes especially important as your monitor size increases.
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 vs. 21:9
Aspect ratio plays a significant role in how content is displayed on your monitor, and when combined with the right resolution, it can enhance your gaming experience.
When choosing a 21:9 monitor, ensure the games you play support this aspect ratio. Some older or competitive games might not take full advantage of the ultrawide screen, resulting in black bars on the sides or a stretched image.
Your Distance From The Monitor And How That Affects Size
Your distance from the monitor can significantly impact your viewing comfort and the clarity of the visuals. Here’s how to choose the right monitor size based on how far you’ll be sitting:
2-4 feet
1080p or 1440p
Ideal for up-close viewing. Provides clear visuals without needing to move your head.
4-6 feet
27-32 inches
1440p or 4K
6-8 feet
32-40 inches
4K
Larger screens maintain clarity at this distance, perfect for relaxed setups.
8+ feet
40+ inches
4K or higher
Best for sofa or wall-mounted setups, giving you TV-like viewing with crisp detail.
To measure the ideal distance for your setup:
KOORUI 27 Inch 144Hz QHD Gaming Monitor
This Koorui 27-inch gaming monitor provides a high refresh rate at 144Hz with an even higher resolution of 2560 x 1440. React fast with a 1ms response time and connect to your PC with two HDMI and one Display port.
Gaming Genres And Monitor Size
You’ll also need to consider which gaming genre you play most often. As it turns out, there are preferred monitor sizes for different genres. A brief breakdown would be something as follows:
For FPS Games
Getting a monitorbetween 24 and 27 inchesis recommended for first-person shooters. This is because most FPS games (Call of Duty,Counter-Strike,Overwatch 2, etc.) are fast-paced and require you to react quickly and track moving targets. These monitors provide a wide field of view, allow you to see the entire screen, and typically offer high refresh rates with a high response time.
For RPGs
For an immersive experience, getting a monitorbetween27 and 32 inchesis recommended; for an even better experience, if you want to go ultrawide, 34 to 49 inches. Role-playing games typically focus more on the graphical experience rather than fast reaction times, especially open-world adventure games. These monitor sizes allow you to fully immerse yourself in the game world and be blown away by the visuals.
RTS or MOBA Games
For real-time strategy or multiplayer online battle arena games, getting a monitorbetween 27 and 32 inchesis recommended. This way, you can get a wider field of view to see more of the battlefield, making it easier to manage units and be more aware of what’s happening.
SAMSUNG 49" Odyssey G93SC Series OLED Curved Gaming Monitor
Experience OLED quality display with the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC. The monitor has a resolution of 1440p, a 32:9 ratio, a refresh rate of 240Hz, and a response time of 0.03ms.
Flight Simulators Or Racing Games
Your best bet for racing games or flight simulators is an ultrawide monitorbetween 34 and 49 inches, especially if you’re going to use a relevant physical setup (racing chair, for example). This screen size will give you an incredible immersive experience with an amazing cockpit/behind-the-wheel view. Plus, you’ll have better visibility to track opponents.
What The Community Says
According to a Reddit pollinvolving almost 4,000 users last year, the overwhelming majority was split between monitors ranging from 18 and 27 inches (1,700 votes) to 28 and 34 inches (1,600 votes).
However, within the comment section, there was a consensus that most users would only use:
This gives a pretty good breakdown of accepted resolutions at different sizes, which should be no surprise as the poll was on a monitor community on the platform.
To Sum Up
Ultimately, the best size for a gaming monitor depends on your needs (the games you want to play, the distance from yourself and the monitor, and what you consider a decent trade-off between size and quality).
Dell S2422HG 24" VA FHD Curved Gaming Monitor
This Dell S2422HG 24-inch monitor covers all the bases. It has a crisp resolution of 1080p, runs at a refresh rate of 165Hz, and has a response time of 1ms. Plus, it just looks beautiful. Oh, and it’s curved.
However,the short and sweet answer is a monitor between 24 and 27 inches should cover everything you want to doand is the perfect size for most set-ups.
Just remember, the bigger the monitor, the higher the resolution should be, and the further you are from the monitor, the bigger it should be.
