43" vs 85" Inch TV
Size Comparison

The jump from 43" to 85" is one of the most common TV upgrades people consider — and for good reason. The 85-inch screen delivers 290.8% more viewing area than the 43-inch, which means you're getting significantly more screen for your money. In physical terms, the 85" is 36.6 inches wider and 20.6 inches taller. That's not a subtle difference — it's immediately noticeable from across the room.

Exact Measurements

The 43-inch TV measures 37.48" wide × 21.08" tall (95.19 × 53.55 cm), with a total screen area of 790.08 square inches. The 85-inch TV measures 74.08" wide × 41.67" tall (188.17 × 105.85 cm), with a total screen area of 3087.24 square inches. That's a difference of 2297.2 square inches — roughly 290.8% more screen.

Recommended Viewing Distance

For a 43-inch TV, you'll want to sit between 4.3 and 7.2 feet away (ideal: about 5.7 feet). For the 85-inch, the sweet spot is 8.5 to 14.2 feet (ideal: about 11.3 feet). If your couch is closer than 8.5 feet to the wall, the 85" might feel overwhelming — the 43" could actually be the better pick for your space.

Room Size

A 43" TV works well in a bedroom, office, or small apartment living room. The 85" is better suited for a large living room, basement, or home theater. Measure your actual viewing distance before deciding — the "right" size is the one that fits your room, not the biggest one that fits your budget.

When to Choose the 43"

• Bedroom or guest room
• Office or studio apartment
• Gaming at a desk or close range
• Your viewing distance is under 7.2 feet

When to Choose the 85"

• Dedicated media rooms or home theaters
• Very large living rooms (12+ feet viewing distance)
• Replacing a projector setup with a brighter image
• Your viewing distance is 8.5 feet or more

What About Sizes In Between?

If 85" feels like too big a jump, consider the 50" or the 55" or the 65" or the 75" as a middle ground. See our comparisons: 43 vs 50" or 50 vs 85", 43 vs 55" or 55 vs 85", 43 vs 65" or 65 vs 85", 43 vs 75" or 75 vs 85".