How to Measure a TV for a Wall Mount: Ensuring the Perfect Fit

Have you ever found yourself wondering which wall mount to buy for your TV? It can be quite confusing, especially when you see mounts advertised for specific screen sizes, like 55-inch or 65-inch TVs. But worry not! In this article, we’ll help you measure your TV and determine the right wall mount size, ensuring a secure and confident installation. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to buy the perfect wall mount for your TV with complete confidence. Let’s dive in and explore the world of VESA measurements!

VESA, or the Video Electronics Standards Association, plays a crucial role in determining the right mount for your TV. This association sets the standards for TV and monitor mounting patterns, making it easier for consumers to find compatible mounts. So, understanding your TV’s VESA measurements is key to buying the correct wall mount.

Locating mounting patterns on the back of your TV or monitor

Unplug and remove your TV from any existing stand or mount: To safely and accurately measure the VESA dimensions, ensure that your TV is disconnected from any power sources and removed from any existing stand or mount.

Place your TV on a flat surface: To prevent any damage to the screen while measuring, lay your TV face down on a clean, soft surface, like a table with a blanket or towel to protect the screen.

Identify the VESA mounting patterns: Before you can find the perfect wall mount, you’ll need to identify the VESA mounting patterns on the back of your TV or monitor. These patterns are typically square or rectangular and are easily recognizable by their threaded inserts, which do not have bolts in them. Take a good look at the back of your TV and locate these patterns.

The VESA pattern is a set of mounting hole patterns on the back of your TV that are used to attach the TV to a wall mount. The VESA pattern is measured in millimeters and typically consists of two numbers that indicate the horizontal and vertical distance between the mounting holes.

Fortunately, most wall mounts on the market will adapt to pretty much all VESA patterns, but it’s still important to check the VESA pattern on your TV and make sure that the mount you’re considering is compatible. This information is typically provided in the product description or packaging of the wall mount.

Did you know: Different VESA standards depend on your TV size and weight. The position of the mounting holes has been planned so that the weight of the TV is evenly distributed on the mount and in the most secure way possible. That’s why it’s essential to choose a mount rated for the size and weight of your TV. If you’re unsure, go for the safer option and pick a mount rated for a larger TV than your current one.

Measuring the VESA dimensions

Measure horizontally: Using a measuring tape, measure the horizontal distance between the center points of the threaded inserts on the left and right sides of the mounting pattern. Record this measurement, as it will be the first part of your VESA dimensions.

Measure vertically: Next, measure the vertical distance between the center points of the threaded inserts on the top and bottom of the mounting pattern. Record this measurement as well, as it will be the second part of your VESA dimensions.

Convert to millimeters if necessary: If you have a measuring tape with millimeters, that’s ideal. If not, you can measure in inches and convert to millimeters using an online converter or your phone. To make things easier, remember that 100 millimeters is approximately equal to 4 inches. This quick reference will help you round your measurements to the nearest mount size.

Determine your TV’s VESA size: With both the horizontal and vertical measurements recorded, you now have the exact VESA dimensions required for your TV’s wall mount. Suppose the distance between VESA holes is 400 millimeters wide and the height is 200 millimeters, as shown in the image below. This equals a VESA measurement of 400×200 mm (VESA norm = horizontal distance in mm x vertical distance in mm). The 400×200 mm measurement is compliant with the VESA MIS-F standard.

VESA MIS F Standard

Common VESA standards are:

Most tv/monitors on the market today conform to one of three VESA standards: VESA MIS-D, VESA MIS-E, or VESA MIS-F. Monitors weighing up to 14 kg typically have a VESA-MIS-D port with a square hole pattern of either 75×75 mm or 100×100 mm. Monitors compliant with the VESA MIS-E standard are equipped with a 200×100 mm rectangular hole pattern and can support weights of up to 23 kg. Finally, the VESA MIS-F standard, Mentioned above, is the highest rating, reserved for monitors that can accommodate weights of up to 40 kg. All three standards are widely used, so it is essential to know your monitor type before purchasing a mount or stand.

StandardMaximum Display WeightHole Pattern (mm)Compatible Displays
VESA MIS-D30 kg (66 lbs)75 x 75, 100 x 100Small to medium-sized displays
VESA MIS-E22.7 kg (50 lbs)200 x 100, 75 x 75, 100 x 100Medium-sized displays
VESA MIS-F36.3 kg (80 lbs)200 x 200, 400 x 200, 300 x 300, 400 x 300, 400 x 400Large-sized displays

By identifying and measuring the VESA dimensions on your TV, you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect wall mount for a secure and confident installation.

How to Measure a TV for a Wall Mount: Ensuring the Perfect Fit

Determine desired functionality: Before purchasing a wall mount, consider how you want the TV to be positioned on the wall. Do you want a fixed mount that keeps the TV in a single position, a tilting mount that allows for vertical angle adjustments, or a full-motion mount that offers maximum flexibility with swivel and tilt options?

Check weight capacity: Apart from the VESA measurements, it’s essential to ensure that the wall mount you choose can support your TV’s weight. Always check the weight capacity of the mount and compare it with your TV’s weight, which can usually be found in the TV’s user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

Match VESA size: With the desired functionality and weight capacity in mind, look for a wall mount that matches your TV’s VESA size. Wall mounts typically list their VESA compatibility on the packaging or product description. For instance, if your TV has a VESA size of 300×200, search for a mount that supports 300×200 VESA measurements.

Purchase and install the wall mount

Buy the right mount: Once you’ve found a wall mount that matches your TV’s VESA size, weight, and desired functionality, go ahead and purchase it. Be sure to double-check the compatibility information to avoid any mistakes.

Follow the installation instructions: After acquiring the perfect wall mount, carefully follow the provided installation instructions. This typically involves locating and marking studs on the wall, attaching the mounting brackets to the TV, and securing the wall plate to the wall. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure about any part of the installation process.

Test the mount’s stability: Once the wall mount is installed, gently place your TV onto the mount and ensure that it’s securely fastened. Test the mount’s stability by gently pulling, tilting, or swiveling the TV (depending on the mount’s functionality) to ensure it stays in place and can hold the TV’s weight.

By selecting the appropriate wall mount based on your TV’s VESA measurements, you can enjoy a secure, confident, and hassle-free installation experience. With your TV mounted perfectly on the wall, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite shows, movies, and games in style and comfort.

Conclusion

With the right wall mount in place, you can now sit back and enjoy the benefits of your newly installed TV. A well-mounted TV not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also helps save space, improves viewing angles, and reduces the risk of accidents caused by unstable TV stands or furniture.

We hope that this guide has provided you with the knowledge and confidence needed to measure your TV and select the perfect wall mount. Remember that the key to a successful installation is accurate measurements, attention to compatibility details, and following the manufacturer’s installation instructions. If you ever feel unsure about any aspect of the process, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.

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About S. Santos

👋 I'm a technology columnist and blogger with over 10 years of experience, currently serving as Blue Cine Tech's AV Editor. Specialising in gadgets, home entertainment, and personal technology, my work has been featured in top technology blogs. I'm dedicated to breaking down the complexities of the latest tech trends, from explaining the intricacies of Dolby Vision to optimising your streaming experience. This blog serves as a platform for my ongoing exploration of the ever-evolving tech landscape. If you see me at industry events like CES or IFA, feel free to say hello.

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