A VESA mount size, also known as a VESA pattern, is a standardized measurement in millimeters that specifies the distance between the four mounting holes on the back of a TV or computer monitor. This standard is expressed as horizontal distance x vertical distance (e.g., 200×200 mm) and ensures that a wall mount or stand is compatible with a specific display.
- Universal Standard: VESA is the global standard that allows mounts and displays from different manufacturers to work together seamlessly.
- Measurement is Key: The size is always measured in millimeters, horizontally first, then vertically.
- Safety First: Using the correct VESA size is critical for a safe, secure installation that protects your equipment.
- Easy to Find: You can find your display’s VESA size in its manual, on the back panel, or by measuring it yourself.
Understanding the VESA Standard: Why It’s the Gold Standard for Mounting
When you decide to mount a TV on the wall or attach a monitor to an adjustable arm, you’ll immediately encounter the term ‘VESA’. VESA stands for the Video Electronics Standards Association, an organization comprised of hundreds of manufacturers that work together to create universal standards for the consumer electronics industry. One of their most impactful contributions is the Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI), more commonly known as the VESA mounting standard.
Before this standard existed, mounting a display was a frustrating process. Each TV and monitor manufacturer used its own proprietary system of mounting holes, meaning a mount from one brand would not work with a TV from another. This created confusion for consumers and limited their choices.
The VESA standard solved this by creating a universal ‘language’ for mounting. It dictates the exact position and spacing of the four screw holes on the back of flat-panel displays. This simple but brilliant idea means you can buy any VESA-compliant mount and be confident it will physically attach to any VESA-compliant display, as long as the size patterns match.
What is VESA Mount Size?
The VESA mount size is the specific measurement of the square or rectangular pattern formed by the four mounting holes on the back of your display. This measurement is always expressed in millimeters and follows a consistent format: the horizontal distance between the holes multiplied by the vertical distance between the holes.
For example, a VESA pattern of 200×200 means:
- The horizontal distance between the centers of the mounting holes is 200 millimeters.
- The vertical distance between the centers of the mounting holes is 200 millimeters.
Similarly, a VESA pattern of 400×200 indicates a rectangular pattern where the holes are 400 millimeters apart horizontally and 200 millimeters apart vertically. This standardization removes all guesswork from the physical connection between your screen and the mounting bracket.
Why VESA Compatibility is Crucial for a Safe and Secure Setup
Matching the VESA pattern of your TV or monitor with your mount is not just about convenience; it’s a fundamental aspect of safety and stability. An incorrect match can lead to a host of problems, ranging from an impossible installation to a catastrophic failure where the display falls and breaks.
The VESA standard ensures that the screws align perfectly and that the weight of the display is distributed exactly as the engineers intended. A compatible mount provides a secure connection that can handle the static load of the screen and any dynamic forces from adjustments or vibrations. Attempting to force a mount with the wrong pattern can strip the threads in the display, crack the plastic housing, or create an unstable connection that is destined to fail.
Furthermore, VESA patterns are generally scaled with the size and weight of the display. A larger, heavier TV will have a wider VESA pattern to better distribute its weight across the mounting plate. Using a mount designed for a smaller pattern on a large TV, even with an adapter, can put excessive stress on the mount’s components.
How to Find Your TV or Monitor’s VESA Size (3 Easy Methods)
Finding your display’s VESA size is a straightforward process. There are three simple methods you can use to get the correct measurement before you purchase a mount.
Method 1: Check the User Manual or Online Specs
The easiest way to find the VESA size is to consult the product’s documentation. Look in the user manual that came with your TV or monitor. The specifications section will almost always list the VESA pattern or ‘mounting pattern’. If you no longer have the manual, a quick search online for your display’s model number followed by ‘specs’ or ‘VESA size’ will usually lead you to the manufacturer’s product page with the information you need.
Method 2: Look on the Back of the Display
Many manufacturers make it even easier by printing the VESA size directly on the back of the TV or monitor. Look for a label or embossed text near the four mounting holes. You might see something like ‘VESA 400×400’ clearly indicated, removing any need for further investigation.
Method 3: Measure the Pattern Manually
If you can’t find the information in the manual or on the device itself, you can always measure it. This method is foolproof and only takes a minute.
Here are the steps:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Unplug the display and carefully place it screen-down on a soft, non-abrasive surface like a blanket or carpet to prevent scratches.
- Locate the Holes: You will see four screw holes arranged in a square or rectangle on the back panel. If a stand is attached, you may need to remove it first to reveal the holes.
- Measure the Horizontal Distance: Using a metric ruler or tape measure, measure the distance between the centers of two holes side-by-side (horizontally). This is your first number.
- Measure the Vertical Distance: Next, measure the distance between the centers of two holes top-to-bottom (vertically). This is your second number.
- Determine the VESA Size: Combine the two numbers, with the horizontal measurement first. For example, if you measured 400mm horizontally and 400mm vertically, your VESA size is 400×400.
A Guide to Common VESA Mount Patterns and Their Uses
While there are many VESA sizes, a handful of common patterns cover the vast majority of consumer displays. Understanding these can help you quickly identify what you might need.
Small Patterns: 75×75 and 100×100
These square patterns are the standard for most computer monitors and smaller TVs (typically under 32 inches). They are compact and designed for lighter-weight screens. Most monitor arms and desk mounts are built around these two sizes.
Medium Patterns: 200×100, 200×200, 300×300
As you move into the range of small to medium-sized TVs (around 32 to 43 inches), these patterns become more common. The 200×200 pattern is particularly widespread. These mounts are more robust to handle the increased weight and size.
Large Patterns: 400×200, 400×400, 600×400
These are the workhorses for modern large-screen TVs (from 40 inches up to 75 inches or more). The 400×400 pattern is one of the most common for mid-to-large TVs. The wider 600×400 pattern provides the stability needed for the largest and heaviest consumer displays, ensuring the load is spread safely across the mount and the wall.
What If Your TV and Mount VESA Patterns Don’t Match? (Adapters Explained)
Occasionally, you might find yourself with a TV and a mount that have different VESA patterns. For example, you may have upgraded your TV but want to keep using your existing high-quality articulating mount. If the mount’s VESA pattern is smaller than the TV’s, you don’t necessarily need to buy a new mount.
The solution is a VESA mount adapter plate. This is a simple but effective accessory, usually a flat piece of steel with multiple sets of holes. You bolt the adapter plate to your TV using its larger VESA pattern, and the plate itself provides a new, smaller pattern that your existing mount can attach to.
When using an adapter, one critical rule applies: you must still respect the mount’s maximum weight capacity. An adapter allows for physical compatibility, but it does not increase the amount of weight the mount can safely hold. Always ensure your TV’s weight is well below the mount’s specified limit.
Key Factors to Consider Besides VESA Size: Weight, Screen Size, and Wall Type
While matching the VESA pattern is the first step, it’s not the only factor for a successful installation. Three other elements are just as important for safety and performance.
1. Weight Capacity
Every mount has a maximum weight it is certified to hold. This is the single most important specification after the VESA pattern. Never exceed this limit. It’s best practice to choose a mount with a weight capacity that is significantly higher than your TV’s actual weight to provide a margin of safety.
2. Screen Size Range
Mounts are also rated for a range of screen sizes (e.g., ‘for 40- to 70-inch TVs’). This is partly related to weight but also ensures the mounting plate itself won’t be visible behind a smaller TV or be too small to properly support a larger one. Stick within the manufacturer’s recommended screen size range.
3. Wall Type and Mounting
The mount is only as strong as its connection to the wall. The type of wall you have dictates how you should install the bracket. For drywall, it is absolutely essential to anchor the mount directly into wood studs. Attaching a heavy TV to drywall alone with anchors will fail. For brick or concrete walls, you will need specialized masonry anchors and screws to create a secure hold.
Frequently Asked Questions About VESA Mount Sizes
What does VESA 200×200 mean?
VESA 200×200 means the four mounting holes on the back of the display form a square that is 200 millimeters wide and 200 millimeters tall. The horizontal distance between the screw holes is 200mm, and the vertical distance is also 200mm.
Are all TV mount holes universal?
No, they are not universal in a one-size-fits-all sense, but they are standardized. The VESA standard ensures that there are common, predictable patterns. You must match your TV’s specific VESA pattern (e.g., 400×400) to a mount that supports that same pattern.
What is the most common VESA mount size?
For computer monitors, 100×100 mm is extremely common. For modern flat-screen TVs in the popular 40- to 65-inch range, 200×200 mm and 400×400 mm are two of the most frequently used VESA sizes.
How do I know what VESA mount size to get?
First, determine the VESA size of your TV or monitor using one of the three methods: check the manual, look on the back of the screen, or measure it. Then, purchase a mount that explicitly lists your VESA size in its specifications and can support your screen’s weight and size.
Can I mount a TV that doesn’t have VESA holes?
It is very rare for a modern flat-screen TV to lack VESA holes, but if you have an older or unusual model, it is possible. In these cases, special universal ‘clamp-style’ adapter kits are available that grip the TV by its edges. However, these are less secure and should be used with caution.
Does a bigger VESA size mean a stronger mount?
Not necessarily. A bigger VESA pattern (e.g., 600×400 vs. 200×200) simply means the holes are farther apart to accommodate larger screens. The strength of the mount is determined by the gauge of the steel, the quality of the welds, and its overall engineering, which is reflected in its certified weight capacity.
Conclusion
Understanding what a VESA mount size is transforms the task of mounting a display from a confusing challenge into a simple matter of matching numbers. This universal standard ensures compatibility and is the foundation of a safe and secure installation. By checking your display’s manual, inspecting the back panel, or taking a quick measurement, you can easily find your VESA pattern.
Always remember to consider the three critical factors together: VESA pattern, weight capacity, and screen size. By confirming that your chosen mount is compatible in all three areas, you can ensure your display is mounted securely for years of enjoyment.
