Quick answer: Mount a 55-inch TV with the center of the screen at seated eye height, about 42 in (107 cm) from the floor. The bottom edge then sits about 28.5 in (725 mm) and the top about 55.5 in (1,409 mm) from the floor. Over a fireplace it goes higher, so use a tilting mount.
How High to Mount a 55-Inch TV
A 55-inch 16:9 TV has a picture about 47.9 × 27.0 in (1,218 × 685 mm). Put the center of the screen at the eye height of whoever watches most, sitting down. Measure it on your own sofa: most people land between 38 and 44 in (97–112 cm). Then read across.
| Seated eye height | Screen center | Bottom edge | Top edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 in (97 cm) | 38 in | 24.5 in (62 cm) | 51.5 in (131 cm) |
| 40 in (102 cm) | 40 in | 26.5 in (67 cm) | 53.5 in (136 cm) |
| 42 in (107 cm) typical | 42 in | 28.5 in (72 cm) | 55.5 in (141 cm) |
| 44 in (112 cm) | 44 in | 30.5 in (78 cm) | 57.5 in (146 cm) |
At about 27 in tall, a 55-inch TV leaves plenty of room at the standard height: centered at 42 in, its bottom edge clears a typical 20–24 in TV console, with space for a soundbar on top.
TV Console and Soundbar Under a 55-Inch TV
Leave at least 4 in (10 cm) between the top of the console and the bottom of the TV. With the screen centered at 42 in, that means a console no taller than about 24.5 in (62 cm). TV stands are usually 18–30 in (45–75 cm) tall, so check yours before you drill.
- Width: the console should be at least as wide as the TV, about 48 in (122 cm), so the screen doesn't overhang it.
- Soundbar on the console: allow its height plus 2–4 in (5–10 cm) of clearance below the screen.
- Soundbar on the wall: treat the TV and soundbar as one block and center the block at eye height, with 2–4 in between them.
How High to Mount a 55-Inch TV Above a Fireplace
Above a fireplace, the mantel sets the height instead of your eyes. Leave about 6 in (15 cm) above the mantel for heat and clearance, then tilt the screen down toward your seat. This table assumes you sit about 9 ft (2.8 m) away, with your eyes 42 in off the floor.
| Mantel height | Bottom edge | Screen center | Top edge | Tilt needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 in (122 cm) | 54 in | 67.5 in | 81 in | 13° |
| 54 in (137 cm) | 60 in | 73.5 in | 87 in | 16° too steep |
| 60 in (152 cm) | 66 in | 79.5 in | 93 in | 19° too steep |
Past about 15° of tilt, the screen is too high to watch comfortably for long. Consider a pull-down mount, or a different wall. With a tall mantel, also check the top edge clears the ceiling with room to spare. Check the wall above the mantel stays cool with the fire going before you mount anything.
Where to Drill the Bracket Holes
You drill where the wall plate bolts to the TV, not at the center of the screen. The mount uses the VESA holes on the back of the TV; the second number of the VESA size is the vertical gap between the hole rows. With the holes centered on the panel and the screen centered at 42 in (1,067 mm):
| VESA vertical spacing | Upper holes | Lower holes |
|---|---|---|
| 200 mm (e.g. 200 × 200) | 1,167 mm (46 in) | 967 mm (38 in) |
| 300 mm (e.g. 300 × 300) | 1,217 mm (48 in) | 917 mm (36 in) |
| 400 mm (e.g. 400 × 400 or 600 × 400) | 1,267 mm (50 in) | 867 mm (34 in) |
Not every TV has its VESA holes centered, and every bracket is different. Measure from the center of your screen to the VESA holes, and from the holes to the bracket's hooks, before marking the wall.
How Far to Sit From a 55-Inch TV
The TV viewing distance calculator checks your own seat, or tells you what size suits the room.
Mounting Height for Other TV Sizes
| TV size | Screen height | Bottom edge | Top edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32-inch | 15.5 in | 34 in | 50 in |
| 40-inch | 19.5 in | 32 in | 52 in |
| 43-inch | 21 in | 31.5 in | 52.5 in |
| 50-inch | 24.5 in | 29.5 in | 54.5 in |
| 55-inch | 27 in | 28.5 in | 55.5 in |
| 60-inch | 29.5 in | 27.5 in | 56.5 in |
| 65-inch | 32 in | 26 in | 58 in |
| 70-inch | 34.5 in | 25 in | 59 in |
| 75-inch | 37 in | 23.5 in | 60.5 in |
| 77-inch | 38 in | 23 in | 61 in |
| 83-inch | 40.5 in | 21.5 in | 62.5 in |
| 85-inch | 41.5 in | 21 in | 63 in |
| 98-inch | 48 in | 18 in | 66 in |
For every size from 32 to 98 inches, see the TV mount height chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should a 55-inch TV be mounted?
Put the center of the screen at seated eye level, about 42 in (107 cm) from the floor. A 55-inch TV then has its bottom edge about 28.5 in (725 mm) and its top edge about 55.5 in (1,409 mm) from the floor.
How high should a 55-inch TV be above a fireplace?
Leave about 6 in (15 cm) above the mantel. Over a 54 in mantel, the bottom edge goes at 60 in and the center at about 73.5 in, so tilt the screen down about 16° toward your seat. That's more than the comfortable 15°, so a pull-down mount or a different wall is better.
How far should you sit from a 55-inch TV?
About 6.9–11.5 ft (2.1–3.5 m) for everyday viewing, or about 5.5 ft (1.7 m) for a cinema-like view with 4K content.
How big is a 55-inch TV?
The picture of a 55-inch 16:9 TV is about 47.9 in wide and 27.0 in tall (122 × 68 cm). The TV itself is a little bigger because of its frame; the exact size is on the spec sheet.
What size TV stand do I need for a 55-inch TV?
At least 48 in (122 cm) wide so the TV doesn't overhang it, and no taller than about 24.5 in (62 cm) if the TV is mounted with its center at 42 in.
Get Exact Heights for Your 55-Inch TV
Enter your own eye height, mount type and VESA pattern for the exact center height, bracket holes and tilt.
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