Trying to decide between a 40-inch and a 43-inch TV? You're not alone — it's one of the most common TV size dilemmas. The difference looks small on paper, but a 43" TV has 16% more screen area than a 40".

Above you'll find an interactive size calculator, real dimensions, viewing distance recommendations, and the most common mistakes people make when choosing between these two sizes.

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40 inch vs 43 inch TV size comparison

How TV Sizes Are Measured: TV sizes like "40-inch" or "43-inch" refer to the diagonal of the viewable screen, corner to corner. These measurements exclude the bezel and the stand, so the total physical footprint will be slightly larger.

The Difference: A 43" TV has 16% more screen area than a 40" TV — that's like adding an extra 107 square inches of viewing space!

40" TV

Screen Width: 34.9 inches

Screen Height: 19.6 inches

Screen Area: 684 sq inches

Recommended Distance: 5-8 feet

Best For: Bedrooms, small apartments, dorm rooms

43" TV

Screen Width: 37.5 inches

Screen Height: 21.1 inches

Screen Area: 790 sq inches

Recommended Distance: 5.5-9 feet

Best For: Bedrooms, small apartments, dorm rooms

Read the video transcript
[00:00:00] Lots of people wonder if moving from a 40-in TV to a 43in TV is really worth it. And honestly, 3 in doesn't sound like much, but it's a big upgrade. The actual difference, it might surprise you. So, let me show you exactly what that looks like. Here are two TVs side by side. The 40-in and the 43in TV. [00:00:20] First glance look pretty similar, but when we overlay them, that's where the real difference shows up. A 43-in TV, that's about 16% more screen area than that 40-in TV. Doesn't sound huge, but in a living room or a bedroom, 16% is noticeable. It can feel a bit more immersive and give you a little bit more [00:00:41] space for games and everyday TV. And by the way, if you're shopping for a 40-in or a 43in TV, I put together a free checklist that helps you avoid the most common TV buying mistakes. You'll find it right in the description below. Before you make your decision, even a small bump in size does mean extra width and height. And if your stand or your wall mount is really tight for space, a [00:01:02] 43in might not fit as easily. So, make sure you doublecheck how you're going to mount this or where it's going to fit. If this helped you make your decision, check out my website, tvsimpified.com, and subscribe for more simple, nonsense TV buying tips. Thanks for watching.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating viewing distance: Sitting too far away makes even a 43" feel small. A good rule of thumb is roughly 1.5× the diagonal — about 5.5 feet for a 43", 5 feet for a 40".

Not accounting for bezel and stand dimensions: The actual footprint with stand is larger than the screen alone. Measure height, depth, and leave 2–4 inches of ventilation clearance if placing in a cabinet or entertainment center.

Underestimating adaptation to larger screens: Many buyers report that a TV that feels "too big" at first quickly becomes normal, leading to regret for not going bigger. If both sizes fit your space and budget, choose the larger.

40 vs 43 Inch TV: Quick FAQ

How wide is a 43 inch TV?

About 37.5 inches wide (21.1 inches tall) for the viewable screen on a 16:9 TV. Overall width may be slightly more with the bezel.

How wide is a 40 inch TV?

About 34.9 inches wide (19.6 inches tall) for the viewable screen on a 16:9 TV. Overall width may be slightly more with the bezel.

Is a 43 inch TV too big for my room?

It depends on viewing distance. As a quick guide, ~1.5× the diagonal works well: ~5.5 feet for 43". If you sit much farther, consider going larger; much closer, consider 40".

Will a 43 inch TV fit on my old TV stand?

Check the stand width (feet span). Many 43" models use wide-set feet that need a wider surface than the screen width alone suggests.

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