Understanding the Dimensions for 46 Inch TVs
46 inch TVs have become increasingly popular choices for home entertainment. With large, cinematic screens that fit well in many living rooms, 46 inch televisions provide an immersive viewing experience without dominating the entire room. But before purchasing one of these TVs, it helps to understand the typical dimensions and size considerations to ensure it fits your space properly.
Typical Dimensions of 46 Inch TVs
The exact dimensions for 46 inch televisions can vary slightly depending on the model, but most adhere to the following standards:
- Width: 41 to 43 inches wide along the horizontal plane. This accounts for the entire front-facing surface including the outer bezel edges.
- Height: 24 to 28 inches tall from the bottom edge to the top edge.
- Depth: Ranges from just 2 inches for ultra-thin LED/LCD displays to 4 inches for higher-end OLED panels. This depth accommodates ports and rear housing.
- Screen Size: 45.9 to 46.5 inches measured diagonally from corner to corner.
- Viewable Area: Slightly smaller than the diagonal screen size specifications, around 44 to 45.5 inches. This accounts for the outer bezel width.
- Aspect Ratio: Mostly wider 16:9 ratio, with some 21:9 ultra-wide models also.
- Stand Width: Stands add another 19 to 24 inches width to account for on tables and media units.
- Weight: Varies significantly based on display technology from 15 pounds up to 60 pounds.
Pay attention to all of these dimensions when evaluating 46 inch televisions to understand the full footprint. Screens with thinner bezels have narrower overall widths while OLED and higher-end LED TVs have greater depth capacities.
Understanding Key TV Size and Dimension Details
The “46 inch” designation for televisions actually refers to the diagonal, straight-line distance between opposite corners of the viewable screen area. This does not include outer frames and bezels which make the total front-facing width larger.
Viewable area also differs slightly from the entire flat screen panel size. Manufacturers advertise both viewable screen specifications and full panel sizes in technical specifications. Viewable size directly represents the picture while panel size includes non-viewable borders around the edges.
Other aspects like display technology and curvature also impact a 46 inch TV’s dimensions. Curved screens can appear smaller than their flat counterparts when measuring straight width. Modern thin bezels trim excess material around flat displays for more streamlined front-faces. Panel material and backlighting technology also affect depth for LED, OLED, and QLED televisions.
Key Planning Considerations for 46 Inch TV Dimensions
Before bringing home a 46 inch TV, measure existing furniture and wall spaces thoroughly to ensure proper fit. Other key dimension considerations include:
- TV Stand Width – Stands should equal or exceed TV width for stability. Leave extra room for ventilation in back.
- Wall Mount Sizing – Mounts must accommodate VESA patterns on rear panels along with exact height and width.
- Cable and Port Clearance – HDMI cables, power cords, and ports need rear clearance from walls. Allow at least 3 extra inches.
- Ventilation Buffer – Leave 2 to 4 inches of open space around the sides and top for airflow. This prevents overheating.
- Viewing Distances – Optimal distances for 46 inch screens fall between 5 to 7 feet away. Calculate based on screen size and resolution.
Carefully measuring room spaces and possible stand/mount areas ensures you can safely install 46 inch TVs. Leave ample ventilation room as well to prevent fire and equipment hazards.
Finding Appropriate 46 Inch TV Sizes for Rooms
The right television size depends on your available space and intended seating distances. 46 inch TVs best suit mid-sized living rooms and bedrooms. Larger home theater spaces may demand even bigger screens.
Recommended 46 inch TV viewing distances range between:
- 5 feet for HD resolution
- 6 feet for Full HD resolution
- 7 feet for 4K UHD resolution
Calculate ideal viewing distance by multiplying the screen height by 1.5 to 2.5x depending on resolution. Online TV size calculators also estimate appropriate diagonal screen sizes given room lengths and seating positions.
Room Size Guidelines for 46 Inch Televisions
| Room Size | TV Size Suitability |
|---|---|
| Small rooms under 250 sq ft | Too large, overwhelms space |
| Mid-sized living rooms 300-400 sq ft | Excellent fit, optimal viewing |
| Large living rooms 400-550 sq ft | Works well, consider going bigger |
| Spacious family rooms over 600 sq ft | Looks small, size up to 65″+ recommended |
As a general rule of thumb, your seating location should be between 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size. 46 inch televisions suit most common living room configurations. But also use detailed size calculators accounting for resolution.
Comparing 46 Inch TV Dimensions to Other Sizes
46 inch televisions occupy a nice middle-ground between smaller 32-43 inch TVs and larger 50-70+ inch home theater screens. Here’s how common alternate sizes compare:
- 32 inch TVs – Better for bedrooms and small spaces. Similar depth but much smaller width/height.
- 40-43 inch TVs – Marginally more compact than 46 inch with similar depth. Good lower-cost options.
- 50-55 inch TVs – Slightly wider and taller than 46 inch with similar depth. Built more cinematically.
- 60-65 inch TVs – Significantly larger in all dimensions. Require more room space but very immersive.
- 70 inch+ TVs – Near twice the width and height of 46 inch models. Best for dedicated home theaters.
In modest living rooms, 46 inches hits the sweet spot between moderate screen real estate and manageable footprint. But consider scaling down to 40 inches or up to 55 inches based on your specific room capacity and seating requirements.
Also Read Other TV Size and Dimensions:
Conclusion
When searching for a new television in the popular 46 inch screen size class, be sure to evaluate all of the physical dimensions beyond just the diagonal. Carefully measure available spaces in your room to ensure an ideal viewing experience. Factor in bezels, stands, ventilation margins, and ideal seating distances relative to screen height as well. This ensures you select the perfect television for your room setup and needs when opting for 46 inch or comparable alternatives like 43 to 55 inch displays.