How High Should You Mount a TV on the Wall?

There’s a lot that goes into building an amazing home entertainment system. You need the right TV, audio, seating, and decor. But one other key element is mounting your TV at the right height.

Too high, and you crane your neck in an uncomfortable position. Too low, and your shoulders slump, which can wreak havoc on your posture.

Here’s how high to mount a TV for the perfect setup.

Numerous factors can determine the ideal TV mount height. There’s the viewer’s height, how tall the couch or chair they’ll be sitting in is, whether or not they’ll be reclining, and obstacles like a mantle or fireplace, just to name a few.

But when it’s all said and done, there’s a simple formula that works across the board in most cases. Experts suggest having a distance of 42 inches from the center of the TV to the floor because this is the average eye level for most people.

So unless you have a unique setup, this is a pretty good measurement to go with. You may need to make a small adjustment, but by and large, 42 inches should make for a comfortable, ergonomic TV-viewing experience.

Fortunately, there’s an easy formula for getting your TV mount height just right regardless of screen size. Lee Wallender of The Spruce breaks it down as follows:

If, for example, you had a 50-inch TV, you would simply use a yardstick or measuring tape to measure 29 inches from the floor to where the bottom of the screen will be on the wall. And that’s all there is to it.

Note that these measurements are recommended for viewers who watch TV in a sitting position. So if you’re the type of person who likes to recline, you’ll likely want to mount your TV a little higher for maximum comfort. Going back to the example of a 50-inch TV, rather than going with 29 inches from the bottom of the screen to the floor, you’d probably want to go a few inches higher at around 32 or 33 inches to account for the viewing angle.

Once you have a configuration that looks good, we suggest testing it out before you go ahead with the actual TV mount. A simple technique is to place a bit of painter’s or masking tape on the wall where the bottom of the TV will be. Then, sit in your seat to see if it feels like a comfortable position.

If so, you’re good and can go ahead with mounting your TV. If not, make the adjustments until it feels just right.

Most TVs today cost between $400 to $500. However, larger models up to 65 inches and those with 4K capabilities are often closer to $1,000. Whenever you’re making a large investment like this, it’s smart to get an extended TV warranty, as most manufacturers’ warranties only last one year.

Upsie, for instance, offers comprehensive coverage that kicks in after the manufacturer’s warranty ends for continued peace of mind. Plans are completely transparent so you understand the terms and don’t get hit with surprise fees later on. Claims can be made 24/7 for a prompt repair or replacement. And warranties cost up to 70 percent less than what you will pay with most in-store offers. You can get the full details on how Upsie works here.