Deciding between a 43 inch TV vs 50 inch TV usually comes down to one question: where are you sitting? The 43-inch model is roughly 37.5 inches wide, while the 50-inch runs about 43.6 inches wide. That extra six inches of width matters far less than the viewing distance and the space your TV stand or wall can handle.
For a smaller bedroom or a couch sitting 5.5 to 6.5 feet back, the 43-inch is the practical pick. If seating sits 6.5 feet or farther away, the 50-inch delivers a noticeably bigger picture without forcing you to move the furniture.
Screen Size and Area: The Real Numbers
The diagonal measurement is how TVs are labeled, but the actual footprint is what determines fit. A 43-inch 16:9 screen measures about 37.5 inches wide and 21.1 inches tall, covering roughly 790 square inches.
That 6.1-inch width increase and 3.4-inch height increase matter most when you already own a stand, cabinet, or wall mount. A 50-inch set won’t fit where a 43-inch model fit unless you verify the exact dimensions.
Viewing Distance: Which Distance Works for Each Size
Distance is the deciding factor for most buyers. If your couch sits 5.5–6.5 feet away, either size works; closer than that, the 43-inch is commonly favored.
Seating farther back at 7–10 feet pushes you toward the 50-inch. At that distance, the larger screen fills more of your field of view, and the lower pixel density becomes impossible to notice.
Price, Resolution, and the Specs That Matter
Resolution matters more than size: many 50-inch TVs are 4K (3840 × 2160), but some budget 43-inch models still ship as 1080p Full HD (1920 × 1080).
The bigger trap is panel quality. A cheaper 50-inch with weaker brightness or processing can look worse than a smaller 43-inch with a better panel. Always check the exact model’s resolution, brightness, and refresh rate before comparing sizes alone.
If you’re leaning toward the smaller screen, our tested roundup of the best 43-inch TVs breaks down which models actually deliver for the price.
| Spec | 43-Inch TV | 50-Inch TV |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Width | ~37.5 inches | ~43.6 inches |
| Screen Height | ~21.1 inches | ~24.5 inches |
| Viewing Area | ~790 sq in | ~1,068 sq in |
| 4K Viewing Distance | 4.3–6.5 ft | 5–7.5 ft |
| Typical Price Range | $180–$700 | $250–$900 |
| Common Weight | ~18 lbs | ~28 lbs |
Weight and outer dimensions vary by model, so a 50-inch set may not fit where another 50-inch fits. LG’s official screen-size comparison tool lets you see the exact area difference side by side. Verify width, depth, VESA mount pattern, and stand clearance on the manufacturer’s spec page before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 43-inch for smaller bedrooms, kitchens, dorms, or tighter budgets — especially if seating sits under 6.5 feet away. Choose the 50-inch for medium bedrooms, small living rooms, or movie watching where the couch sits 6.5 feet or farther back and the stand or wall can handle the extra width and weight.
If your room sits in the middle range around 6–7 feet, let panel quality decide. A better 43-inch 4K panel beats a weaker 50-inch model with dimmer brightness or slower processing. Measure your actual space, confirm the viewing distance, then compare specs — not just the diagonal number.
References & Sources
- DisplayWars. “50 inch 16:9 vs 43 inch 16:9 Comparison.” Provides screen dimensions, area, and diagonal size comparisons.