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How to choose the right screen size for digital signage?
A common question we get is: "How do I choose the right screen size for my digital signage?" The ideal size depends on your content, viewing distance, and audience movement. This article (and our free calculator) helps you make the right choice.
May 18, 2025
One of the most common questions when setting up a digital signage solution is:
“What screen size do I actually need?”
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few key factors can help you determine the best screen size for your space.
Key factors in choosing digital signage screen size
Information Density
How much content do you plan to show on the screen at once? The number of text lines significantly impacts screen size requirements:
Headlines: usually 3 lines of text
News articles: typically 10 lines of text
Menu boards: often up to 20 lines of text
The more content, the larger the screen needs to be to ensure legibility.
Viewing Distance
From what distance will your audience typically view the screen? The average viewing distance directly influences how large text and elements need to appear.
Viewing distance Recommended screen size
1–2 meters 24"–32"
2–4 meters 43"–55"
4+ meters 55" and up
The more information you display, such as schedules, menus, or real-time data, the more screen space you’ll need. Simple messages can work well on smaller screens, while detailed layouts benefit from larger formats.
Digital Signage screen size calculator
To simplify the process, we’ve created a free screen size calculator. Just enter:
The estimated number of text lines
The average viewing distance (in meters or feet)
Your preferred screen orientation (horizontal or vertical)
Based on this input, we suggest three ideal screen sizes:
Maximum impact: for bold, attention-grabbing messages
Optimal readability: for clear communication
Maximum information: for fitting more content into limited space
You’ll also see an estimated read time per screen, helping you decide how long each message should remain visible.
Movement and speed
If your digital signage is located outdoors or in high-traffic areas, your audience might be moving, walking, cycling, or driving. The screen size must then accommodate shorter attention windows. Consider these variables:
Speed of passing traffic
Distance from screen to viewer path
Viewing angle
You'll need to calculate how long your screen remains visible and compare that with the required read time to ensure your message is absorbed in time.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to digital signage screens. The right screen size depends on what you want to show and how your audience will experience it. With a bit of thought and the help of our screen size calculator, you can make a choice that fits both your content and your space.
Included In This Story
Bizplay
Bizplay is a user-friendly, cloud-based digital signage platform. It helps you to easily create, schedule and display engaging content, without technical hassle. Trusted by businesses in retail, healthcare, offices and education, Bizplay ensures your messages always stay dynamic, relevant and up-to-date.
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