Big-screen TVs are big-time popular right now. Most TV lineups — from affordable sets to high-end models — feature 75- and 85-inch sizes. If those aren’t big enough, some TVs even arrive in 98 inches or above.
But while it might be tempting to throw money at one of the best 75-inch TVs (or one of the best 85-inch TVs, for that matter), it’s in your best interest to size-up your living space and to make sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew. (Or, I suppose in this case, more than you can watch.)
Yes, there is such a thing as a TV that’s too big, and by the bottom of this page, you’ll know the perfect TV size for your home. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why is it a problem if a TV is too big?
Watching a TV that's too big is problematic for the same reason it can be a massive bummer to sit in the front row at a movie theater. If your eyes have to frequently move around to take it all in, you're bound to miss some the details. Worse, you might end up with eye strain.
Depending on your living space, it's possible that even 65 inches is too big.
This is especially true for fast-paced content like sports and action movies, where the camera is more likely to whip around. And video games? Forget it. I once gave made myself sick by playing a first-person shooter in front of an 85-inch TV at a press event, and let me tell you: I learned my lesson.
I readily admit that there's something undeniably appealing about a big, honkin' screen, but depending on your living space, it's possible that 65 inches is too big. The secret lies in a simple formula.
How to pick the right TV size
First, let's talk about screen resolution. If you're shopping above 42-inches, 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) is a must. If you're on the hunt for a TV as small as 32 inches to put in the corner of your kitchen, you should stick to full-HD displays (1920 x 1080 pixels). This is because, at sizes that small, the advantages of 4K resolution aren't as visually apparent.
When helping folks shop for a TV, my colleagues and I here at Tom's Guide follow a simple formula for finding that screen-size sweet spot. It's based on A/V giant THX's recommendation that a home entertainment display fills between 25% and 40% of a viewer's vision.
Distance from TV |
Minimum screen size |
Sweet Spot |
Maximum screen size |
|---|---|---|---|
Between 2 and 3 feet |
25 inches |
32 inches |
40 inches |
Between 4 and 5 feet |
30 inches |
48 inches |
55 inches |
Between 6 and 7 feet |
55 inches |
65 inches |
75 inches |
Between 8 and 9 feet |
65 inches |
75 inches |
85 inches |
Between 10 and 12 feet |
75 inches |
85 inches |
98 inches |
If you think you're in between two potential sweet spots, it's fine to err on the larger of the two screen sizes. However, bigger does not always equal better. If a 55- or 65-inch TV makes the most sense for your living space, dragging a 75- or 85-inch TV into that space could lead to an overwhelming viewing experience.
Are bigger screens better for 8K?
8K resolution (7680 x 4320 pixels) is here, but you won't find much in the way of native 8K content. Nor will you find very many 8K TVs on shelves. As this article was published, the only 8K TV new for 2025 is the Samsung QN990F.
At the proper viewing distance, a larger-size screen might be more visually appealing for 8K content, given the sheer density of pixels associated with 8K resolution.
Before you splash out on a would-be TV of the future, remember that all sub-8K content is upscaled to 8K on a TV like the QN990F. And, since almost no 8K native content is available across streaming platforms or on store shelves, it's not exactly easy to appreciate this TV in its fullest.
In general, whether it's 8K resolution or an 85-inch screen, things that seem inherently better or bigger aren't always ideal. Take some time to consider your living space before dropping a wad of dough on a TV that might give you a headache.
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