Monitor size comparison

38" 21:9 vs 40" 21:9: Full Size Comparison

Compare exact dimensions, pixel density, content size, and desk fit for these two displays.

Display 138 in 21:9
Display 240 in 21:9
Align:
36.8"15.8"34.9"15"
38 in 21:9
40 in 21:9

Specifications

Metric38 in 21:940 in 21:9Diff
Width34.93"36.77"+5.3%
Height14.97"15.76"+5.3%
Area522.8 in²579.3 in²+10.8%
Diagonal38"40"+5.3%
Pixel Density109 ppi139 ppi+26.9%
16:9 content30.53"32.14"+5.3%
4:3 content24.95"26.26"+5.3%
2.35:1 content37.96"39.96"+5.3%

The 38" 21:9 is 34.93" (88.7 cm) wide and 14.97" (38 cm) tall, while the 40" 21:9 is 36.77" (93.4 cm) wide and 15.76" (40 cm) tall. That makes the 40" 21:9 the larger screen by 10.8% of usable area.

The 38" 21:9 measures 34.93" (88.7 cm) wide by 14.97" (38 cm) tall, with a total screen area of 522.8 square inches. The 40" 21:9 measures 36.77" (93.4 cm) wide by 15.76" (40 cm) tall, covering 579.3 square inches.

In direct comparison: the 40" 21:9 is 5.3% wider, the 40" 21:9 is 5.3% taller, and 40" 21:9 offers 10.8% more screen area. The width delta is the main desk-fit number, while the height delta shows how much vertical space changes for documents, timelines, and video.

At 3840x1600, the 38" 21:9 achieves 109 PPI. The 40" 21:9 at 5120x2160 reaches 139 PPI. The 40" 21:9 has 26.9% higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images.

For 16:9 content (most videos and games), the 38" 21:9 provides an effective diagonal of 30.5", while the 40" 21:9 provides 32.1". This is crucial when comparing ultrawides to standard displays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exact dimensions of a 38" 21:9 monitor?
A 38" 21:9 monitor measures 34.93" (88.7 cm) wide by 14.97" (38 cm) tall, with a screen area of 522.8 square inches.
What are the exact dimensions of a 40" 21:9 monitor?
A 40" 21:9 monitor measures 36.77" (93.4 cm) wide by 15.76" (40 cm) tall, with a screen area of 579.3 square inches.
Which is bigger: 38" 21:9 or 40" 21:9?
The 40" 21:9 is 10.8% larger in total screen area, though the 38" 21:9 may be taller depending on aspect ratio.
How much desk space do I need for a 40" 21:9?
A 40" 21:9 requires at least 36.77" of desk width. We recommend 42.77" to allow comfortable margins on each side.
Which has better pixel density: 38" 21:9 or 40" 21:9?
The 40" 21:9 at 5120x2160 has 139 PPI, which is 26.9% higher than the 38" 21:9's 109 PPI.
How does 16:9 content look on these displays?
On the 38" 21:9, 16:9 content appears at an effective 30.5" diagonal. On the 40" 21:9, it appears at 32.1". Ultrawides display 16:9 content with black bars on the sides.

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