Diagonal Calculator

Ever struggled to figure out the diagonal of a rectangle or the size of your TV screen? Our diagonal calculator is here to solve that problem quickly and easily. Whether you’re shopping for a new television, measuring for home renovations, or tackling a geometry problem, this tool will become your go-to solution.

What is a Diagonal?

A diagonal is a straight line connecting two non-adjacent corners of a shape. In rectangles and screens, it’s the longest straight line that can be drawn inside the shape, stretching from one corner to the opposite corner.

How to Use the Diagonal Calculator

Using our diagonal calculator is simple:

Enter the width of your rectangle or screen
Enter the height
Click “Calculate”

The calculator will instantly provide you with the diagonal measurement. It’s that easy!

The Math Behind the Diagonal Calculator

Our calculator uses the Pythagorean theorem to determine the diagonal. Here’s how it works:

The formula: diagonal² = width² + height²
We take the square root of both sides
This gives us: diagonal = √(width² + height²)

For example, if you have a rectangle that’s 3 units wide and 4 units tall:

diagonal² = 3² + 4²
diagonal² = 9 + 16 = 25
diagonal = √25 = 5 units

Practical Applications of the Diagonal Calculator

1. TV and Monitor Sizes

When you see a TV advertised as 55 inches, that measurement refers to the screen’s diagonal. Use our calculator to:

Determine if a TV will fit in your space
Compare different screen sizes
Understand the relationship between screen dimensions and diagonal size

2. Home Improvement Projects

The diagonal calculator is invaluable for:

Measuring rooms for flooring installation
Calculating the size of a rug to fit a space
Determining the right size for artwork or mirrors

3. Educational Purposes

Students and teachers can use this tool to:

Visualize geometric concepts
Check answers in math problems
Explore the relationships between different measurements in rectangles

Tips for Accurate Measurements

Always measure from the inside edges of the frame for TVs and monitors
Use the same unit of measurement for both width and height
For irregular shapes, measure the longest width and height for an approximation

Ready to solve your diagonal measurement challenges? Try our diagonal calculator now and experience the ease of instant, accurate calculations for all your projects and needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this calculator for shapes other than rectangles?

This calculator is designed for rectangles and square shapes. For other shapes, it may provide an approximation but won't be as accurate.

How do I convert the diagonal measurement to different units?

Our calculator allows you to choose your preferred unit of measurement. Simply select the desired unit from the dropdown menu before calculating.

Is the diagonal always longer than the width or height?

Yes, in a rectangle or square, the diagonal is always the longest straight line that can be drawn within the shape.

How accurate is this calculator?

Our calculator provides results accurate to two decimal places, which is sufficient for most practical applications.

Can I use this to calculate the viewing distance for my TV?

While our calculator doesn't directly calculate viewing distance, you can use the diagonal measurement it provides to determine optimal viewing distances using TV viewing distance guides.

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Diagonal Calculator