43 vs 50 Inch TV: 35% Bigger — Which Fits Your Room?
The 43-inch and 50-inch are two of the most popular TV sizes for bedrooms, kitchens, and apartments. They sit in the sweet spot between "too small" and "too big" for secondary rooms — and the gap between them is surprisingly meaningful. A 50-inch TV has about 35% more screen area than a 43-inch, which translates to roughly 6 inches of extra width. That is enough to change how immersive your viewing experience feels.
Here is how to decide which size is right for your room.
43 vs 50 Inch TV: Specs at a Glance
| Spec | 43 Inch TV | 50 Inch TV |
|---|---|---|
| Screen diagonal | 43 inches | 50 inches |
| Width (approx) | 37.5" (95.2 cm) | 43.6" (110.7 cm) |
| Height (approx) | 21.1" (53.6 cm) | 24.5" (62.2 cm) |
| Screen area | ~792 sq in | ~1,069 sq in |
| Size difference | — | +35% more screen |
| Ideal viewing distance | 5–7 ft | 6–8 ft |
| Typical price range | $180–$500 | $250–$650 |
| Best for | Small bedroom, kitchen | Medium bedroom, small living room |
Want to see the exact difference? Try the 43 vs 50 inch visual comparison on Easy Compare.
Room-by-Room Recommendation
The right size depends almost entirely on how far you sit from the screen:
| Room / Setup | Viewing Distance | Best Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom (10×10) | 4-6 ft | 43 inch |
| Master bedroom | 6-8 ft | 50 inch |
| Kitchen / dining area | 8-12 ft | 50 inch |
| Dorm room | 4-6 ft | 43 inch |
| Office / study | 5-7 ft | 43 or 50 inch |
| Small living room | 7-9 ft | 50 inch (or go 55) |
When to Pick 43 Inch
- Small bedroom (under 10×12 ft) — 43" fills the wall without overwhelming it
- Kitchen counter TV — Compact enough to mount under cabinets
- Dorm room — Easy to move, fits on a dresser
- Budget-conscious — 43" 4K TVs start under $200
- Desk/gaming monitor alternative — At 3-4 ft viewing distance, 43" feels huge
For more on this size, see our how big is a 43 inch TV guide.
When to Pick 50 Inch
- Master bedroom — At 6-8 ft viewing distance, 50" delivers a cinematic feel
- Small living room / apartment — Fills the space without dominating it
- Sports and movies — The extra 35% screen area makes a real difference for fast action
- Upgrading from 43" — The jump to 50" is noticeable every time you turn it on
- Gaming — 50" at 4K is immersive without being overwhelming
See our how big is a 50 inch TV guide for detailed dimensions.
Price and Value Comparison
The price gap between 43" and 50" has narrowed significantly in 2026. Here is what to expect:
- 43" budget 4K (TCL, Hisense): $180–$280
- 43" mid-range (Samsung, LG): $300–$450
- 50" budget 4K (TCL, Hisense): $250–$350
- 50" mid-range (Samsung, LG): $400–$600
- 50" premium (Samsung QLED, LG OLED C-series): $600–$900
Value pick: A 50-inch budget 4K TV ($250–$350) offers the best bang for buck in 2026 — 35% more screen than 43" for only $70–$100 more.
The Bottom Line
If you sit 5-6 feet away, go 43 inch. If you sit 6-8 feet away, go 50 inch. The 35% screen area difference is significant enough that you will notice it every day — but both sizes are excellent for secondary rooms. For a living room, consider stepping up to a 55 or 65 inch TV instead.
Use the Easy Compare visual tool to overlay both sizes at real scale and see the exact difference before you buy.