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85” vs 98” TV

How the 85-inch and 98-inch sizes really compare — dimensions, ideal seating distance and how much extra screen you actually get.

85” 98”
85”
74.1×41.7” · sit 8.5–11.3 ft
vs
98”
85.4×48” · sit 9.8–13.1 ft
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Side-by-side specs

Diagonal85” vs 98” (+13”)
Screen width (16:9)74.1” vs 85.4”
Screen height (16:9)41.7” vs 48”
Relative picture area98” is ~33% bigger (1.33×)
Immersive distance (THX 40°)8.5 ft vs 9.8 ft
Relaxed distance (SMPTE 30°)11.3 ft vs 13.1 ft
Rule of thumb: screen area — not the diagonal number — is what your eyes notice. Jumping from 85” to 98” adds about 33% more picture.

TV wall mounts

A good mount puts the screen at the right height and lets you angle it away from glare. Match the mount's VESA pattern and weight rating to your TV, and use full-motion arms for wide or off-center rooms.

Full-motion (articulating) mountSwivel & tilt — best for corner or wide seatingLink coming soon
Tilting low-profile mountSits flush — ideal for above-eye-level placementLink coming soon
Fixed ultra-slim mountCheapest, thinnest — for perfectly-placed screensLink coming soon

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Frequently asked questions

Is a 98 inch TV much bigger than a 85 inch?

Yes. Diagonally it's 13” larger, but because screen area grows with the square of the diagonal, the 98” picture is about 33% bigger (1.33× the area) than the 85”. Side by side the difference is very noticeable.

How much farther should I sit from a 98 inch than a 85 inch TV?

For the same immersive THX view, plan about 8.5 ft for the 85” and 9.8 ft for the 98” — roughly 1.3 ft more.

Should I buy the 85 or the 98 inch TV?

If your seat is around 11.3–8.5 ft away, the 85” is comfortable; from 13.1 ft or more, step up to the 98”. When in doubt and the budget allows, most people prefer the larger screen — very few wish they'd bought smaller.

Will a 98 inch TV fit where a 85 inch was?

The 98” picture is about 85.4” wide vs 74.1” for the 85” — roughly 11.3” wider. Check your stand width and any recess before upgrading.

Compare other sizes

43” vs 50”43” vs 55”48” vs 55”50” vs 55”50” vs 60”55” vs 60”55” vs 65”55” vs 75”58” vs 65”60” vs 65”60” vs 70”65” vs 70”65” vs 75”65” vs 77”

Dimensions assume a 16:9 picture area. Distances use the THX (40°) and SMPTE (30°) standards. Last reviewed 2026-08-12.