Trying to decide between a 85-inch and a 100-inch TV? You're not alone — it's one of the most common TV size dilemmas. The difference looks small on paper, but a 100" TV has 38% more screen area than a 85".

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.

Better TV advice → Subscribe
85 inch vs 100 inch TV size comparison

How TV Sizes Are Measured: TV sizes like "85-inch" or "100-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 100" TV has 38% more screen area than a 85" TV — that's like adding an extra 1,183 square inches of viewing space!

85" TV

Screen Width: 74.1 inches

Screen Height: 41.7 inches

Screen Area: 3,087 sq inches

Recommended Distance: 10.5-17 feet

Best For: Dedicated home theaters, large open spaces

100" TV

Screen Width: 87.2 inches

Screen Height: 49.0 inches

Screen Area: 4,273 sq inches

Recommended Distance: 12.5-20 feet

Best For: Commercial spaces, dedicated home theaters

Read the video transcript
[00:00:00] If you're deciding between an 85-in TV and a 100-in TV, that jump is much bigger than it sounds, and there are a few things you should see before buying. TV size usually is the first decision people make, but what you buy should also depend on things like viewing distance and the features you'll actually use. But here's an 85 in screen. Here's a 100in screen side by [00:00:22] side. Now, watch when I do the overlay. When I overlay that 85 inch on the 100 inch, that's a 38% difference in viewing area. And that completely changes how immersive your viewing experience feels. That extra size can change the options you'll realistically have as well. At 85 in, you're more likely to find OLED [00:00:42] panels, which really gives you that deep, rich color, those vibrant colors for movies. But once you move up to 100 in, OLED options aren't as common. So picture quality trade-offs, they become part of your decision. There's also a major price jump when you go up to 100 in. It's not a small step up. So, that's important to be ready for [00:01:02] before you go out and buy. Finally, seating distance becomes critical at this scale. If you're sitting too close, that 100-in TV can feel rather overwhelming and maybe a little bit too immersive. And also, keep in mind that 100in TV is going to be a lot heavier and a lot larger. So, check the weight and dimensions. your next big step. [00:01:22] Watch my video on features and see what features you actually need for that TV size. And if you're shopping for a TV, subscribe. These videos are meant to help you avoid common buying mistakes. Thanks for watching.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting about stand width: A 100" TV's feet can span well beyond the screen width. If your stand or furniture is too narrow, the feet will overhang or be unstable. Measure your stand's usable width before buying.

Ignoring the box size for transport: The packaging for a 100" TV is significantly larger than the screen itself and often too large for most vehicles. Measure your vehicle's opening before buying, or arrange for store delivery.

Underestimating viewing distance: Sitting too far away makes even a 100" feel small. A good rule of thumb is roughly 1.5× the diagonal — about 12.5 feet for a 100", 10.5 feet for a 85".

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.

85 vs 100 Inch TV: Quick FAQ

How wide is a 100 inch TV?

About 87.2 inches wide (49 inches tall) for the viewable screen on a 16:9 TV. Overall width may be slightly more with the bezel.

How wide is a 85 inch TV?

About 74.1 inches wide (41.7 inches tall) for the viewable screen on a 16:9 TV. Overall width may be slightly more with the bezel.

Is a 100 inch TV too big for my room?

It depends on viewing distance. As a quick guide, ~1.5× the diagonal works well: ~12.5 feet for 100". If you sit much farther, consider going larger; much closer, consider 85".

Will a 100 inch TV fit on my old TV stand?

Check the stand width (feet span). Many 100" models use wide-set feet that need a wider surface than the screen width alone suggests.

Not sure which TV size is right for your room?

Our TV Finder helps you narrow it down in under 2 minutes.

Try the TV Finder