If you are planning on purchasing a case for your iPad, it is important to know the correct size. The same goes if you just want to know the model of your iPad. There are a few different ways to measure the size of your iPad, depending on whether you have the device on hand or not. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to measure the size of your iPad, regardless of the model.
If you have your iPad on hand, the easiest way to measure the size is to use a ruler or measuring tape. Measure the length and width of the iPad, from edge to edge. The length is the measurement from the top to the bottom of the iPad, while the width is the measurement from side to side. Once you have the length and width, you can use the following table to determine the size of your iPad:
| Length (in) | Width (in) | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 9.7 | 7.0 | 9.7-inch iPad |
| 10.2 | 7.5 | 10.2-inch iPad (7th and 8th generation) |
| 10.5 | 7.9 | 10.5-inch iPad Pro |
| 11.0 | 8.1 | 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation) |
| 12.9 | 8.7 | 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation) |
Measuring the Physical Dimensions
Before discussing the technical dimensions of an iPad, it’s essential to understand the physical measurements. These dimensions directly impact the device’s portability, comfort of use, and compatibility with accessories. Here’s a detailed guide on measuring the physical dimensions of an iPad.
1. Length and Width
To measure the length and width of the iPad, you’ll need a ruler or measuring tape. Place the ruler along the device’s longest side, from one edge to the other. Record the measurement in inches or centimeters. Repeat the process for the width, which is the shorter side perpendicular to the length. The length typically corresponds to the height of the iPad when held in portrait mode, while the width corresponds to the width in portrait mode or the height in landscape mode.
2. Height
The height of an iPad is measured by placing the device on a flat surface with the screen facing up. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure from the bottom edge to the top edge of the device. This measurement is usually taken when the iPad is in portrait mode. The height is important for determining the device’s overall size and for ensuring compatibility with cases and docks.
3. Thickness
To measure the thickness, place the iPad on its side and use a ruler or caliper to measure from the top edge to the bottom edge. This measurement is generally taken at the thickest point of the device, which may vary depending on the model and design. The thickness can impact the device’s portability and comfort of holding it for extended periods.
Calculating the Screen Size Diagonally
The most common method for measuring the size of an iPad is to calculate the screen size diagonally. This is done by measuring the distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. The result is the diagonal length of the screen, which is typically expressed in inches.
To calculate the screen size diagonally, you will need a ruler or measuring tape. Place the ruler or measuring tape along the diagonal of the screen, from one corner to the opposite corner. Make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is straight and that it is not touching the bezel of the screen.
Once you have measured the diagonal length of the screen, you can use the following table to determine the size of your iPad:
| Diagonal Length (inches) | iPad Model |
|---|---|
| 7.9 | iPad mini |
| 9.7 | iPad (2018) |
| 10.2 | iPad (2021) |
| 10.5 | iPad Air (2019) |
| 11 | iPad Pro (2018) |
| 12.9 | iPad Pro (2018) |
Determining the Aspect Ratio
To determine the aspect ratio of an iPad, you must measure the screen’s width and height. The aspect ratio is typically expressed as a ratio of the width to height, such as 4:3 or 16:9. Here are detailed steps on how to measure the iPad’s screen dimensions:
-
Measure the Width
Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the horizontal distance across the iPad screen from the left edge to the right edge. Record this measurement in millimeters (mm) or inches (in).
-
Measure the Height
Next, measure the vertical distance from the top edge of the iPad screen to the bottom edge. Record this measurement in mm or in.
-
Calculate the Aspect Ratio
Divide the width measurement by the height measurement to obtain the aspect ratio. For example, if the width is 240 mm and the height is 160 mm, then the aspect ratio would be 240/160 = 3:2.
The following table summarizes the aspect ratios of different iPad models:
iPad Model Aspect Ratio iPad (1st generation) 4:3 iPad 2 4:3 iPad 3 4:3 iPad 4 4:3 iPad Air 4:3 iPad Air 2 4:3 iPad Pro (9.7-inch) 4:3 iPad Pro (10.5-inch) 4:3 iPad Pro (11-inch) 4:3 iPad Pro (12.9-inch) 4:3
Utilizing Online Tools for Accuracy
There are numerous online tools that can provide quick and accurate measurements for your iPad. These tools typically require you to input the model or dimensions of your device. Here are a few popular options:
| Tool | Features |
|---|---|
| Apple Support | Official measurements provided by Apple |
| Speccy | Detailed hardware information, including device dimensions |
| iFixit Repair Guides | Detailed measurements and instructions for device repairs |
To use these tools, simply visit the website and enter the model or dimensions of your iPad. The tool will then provide you with the corresponding measurements.
Using a Physical Ruler or Measuring Tape
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can use a physical ruler or measuring tape to measure your iPad. To do this, place the ruler or tape along the edge of the device and read the measurement. Ensure that you measure from the edge of the screen to the edge of the device, including any bezels or frames.
Considering the Aspect Ratio
When measuring the size of your iPad, it’s also important to consider the aspect ratio. This refers to the ratio of the width to the height of the screen. For example, an iPad with a 4:3 aspect ratio will have a different screen size than an iPad with a 16:9 aspect ratio, even if they have the same diagonal measurement.
Additional Tips for Accurate Measurement
* Use a high-quality ruler or measuring tape for precise measurements.
* Measure from the center of the screen to avoid any distortion.
* If possible, use a tool that provides measurements in both inches and centimeters.
* Compare your measurements with the official Apple specifications to ensure accuracy.
Assessing the Resolution
The resolution of an iPad, measured in pixels, refers to the number of individual pixels displayed on its screen. Higher resolutions result in sharper and more detailed images. To measure the resolution of an iPad, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the “Settings” app on your iPad.
- Tap on “Display & Brightness”.
- Scroll down to the “Resolution” section.
- The current resolution of your iPad will be displayed here.
- Tap on “More Resolutions” to see a list of alternative resolutions available for your device.
- Measure the height from the top of the display to the bottom.
- Measure the width from the left edge of the display to the right edge.
- Measure the thickness at its thickest point, usually along the side where the buttons are located.
- Millimeters to inches: To convert millimeters to inches, multiply the number of millimeters by 0.0393701.
- Centimeters to inches: To convert centimeters to inches, multiply the number of centimeters by 0.393701.
- Feet to inches: To convert feet to inches, multiply the number of feet by 12.
- Download and install the application from the App Store.
- Open the application and follow the instructions on the screen.
- Point the device’s camera at your iPad.
- Measure the length, width, and height of your iPad using the app’s tools.
The available resolutions for each iPad model vary depending on its screen size and hardware capabilities. Some common resolutions for iPads include:
| iPad Model | Resolution |
|---|---|
| iPad (9th generation) | 10.2 inches, 2160 x 1620 pixels |
| iPad Air (5th generation) | 10.9 inches, 2360 x 1640 pixels |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) | 12.9 inches, 2732 x 2048 pixels |
Checking the Overall Dimensions
To accurately measure the overall dimensions of your iPad, refer to the official specifications provided by Apple or refer to the user manual that came with your device. The dimensions vary depending on the specific iPad model and generation.
Here’s a table providing the overall dimensions for the latest generations of iPad models:
| Model | Height | Width | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) | 11.04 inches (280.6 mm) | 8.46 inches (214.9 mm) | 0.25 inches (6.36 mm) |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) | 9.74 inches (247.6 mm) | 7.02 inches (178.5 mm) | 0.23 inches (5.9 mm) |
| iPad Air (5th generation) | 9.76 inches (247.6 mm) | 7.03 inches (178.5 mm) | 0.24 inches (6.1 mm) |
| iPad mini (6th generation) | 7.69 inches (195.4 mm) | 5.30 inches (134.8 mm) | 0.28 inches (7.2 mm) |
When measuring the dimensions, keep the following in mind:
Understanding Display Terms
Display size: Measured diagonally from corner to corner, excluding any rounded edges or bezels (ie. the frame around the screen). Display size is typically expressed in inches.
Aspect ratio: The ratio of the display’s width to its height. Common aspect ratios include 4:3 (square), 16:9 (widescreen), and 16:10 (wider than widescreen).
Resolution: The number of pixels displayed on the screen. Resolution is typically expressed in terms of the number of pixels in the horizontal direction by the number of pixels in the vertical direction (e.g., 1920×1080).
Pixel density: The number of pixels per inch (PPI) of the display. Pixel density affects the clarity and sharpness of the image, with higher pixel densities resulting in sharper images.
Color depth: The number of bits used to represent each pixel’s color. Color depth affects the range and accuracy of colors that can be displayed, with higher color depths resulting in more vibrant and accurate colors.
Display type: The type of technology used to display the image, such as LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light-emitting diode), or IPS (in-plane switching). Different display types offer different advantages and disadvantages in terms of image quality, color accuracy, and viewing angles.
Retina display: A high-resolution display with a pixel density that is high enough that the individual pixels are not visible to the human eye at a typical viewing distance. Retina displays provide sharp and clear images that are easy on the eyes.
| Display Size (inches) | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | Pixel Density (PPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.7 | 4:3 | 1024 x 768 | 264 |
| 10.2 | 4:3 | 1024 x 768 | 326 |
| 10.5 | 4:3 | 1668 x 2224 | 265 |
| 10.9 | 4:3 | 1668 x 2388 | 264 |
| 12.9 | 4:3 | 2048 x 2732 | 265 |
| 11 | 16:10 | 2388 x 1668 | 265 |
| 12.4 | 16:10 | 2560 x 1600 | 265 |
Converting Units of Measurement
If you’re more comfortable measuring with different units than inches or centimeters, you can easily convert your iPad’s dimensions using the following table:
| Unit | Conversion Factor to Inches |
|---|---|
| Millimeters (mm) | 0.0393701 |
| Centimeters (cm) | 0.393701 |
| Feet (ft) | 12 |
For example, to convert the iPad Pro 12.9-inch model’s height of 11.04 inches to millimeters, you would multiply 11.04 by 25.4 (the number of millimeters in an inch), which gives you 280.44 millimeters.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the conversions:
By following these instructions, you can easily measure the size of your iPad in any unit of measurement you prefer.
Using Third-Party Applications
Several third-party applications are available that can help you measure the size of your iPad. One popular option is the Measure app, which is available for free on the App Store. This app allows you to measure the length, width, and height of your iPad using the device’s camera. Another option is the Ruler app, which is also available for free on the App Store. This app provides a variety of measuring tools, including a ruler, a protractor, and a tape measure. To use a third-party application to measure the size of your iPad:
The following table summarizes the key features of the two most popular third-party applications for measuring the size of an iPad:
| Feature | Measure | Ruler |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Tools | Ruler, protractor, tape measure | Ruler, protractor, tape measure |
| Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Accuracy | High | High |
Comparing to Other Device Sizes
When comparing the size of an iPad to other devices, it’s helpful to consider the dimensions of common sizes. Here’s a table showing the dimensions of various iPad sizes and their comparison to other devices:
| Device | Display Size (inches) | Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| iPad mini (6th generation) | 8.3 | 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.24 |
| iPad (9th generation) | 10.2 | 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.29 |
| iPad Air (5th generation) | 10.9 | 9.7 x 7 x 0.24 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) | 11.0 | 9.7 x 7 x 0.23 |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) | 12.9 | 11 x 8.5 x 0.25 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | 6.1 | 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.31 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23+ | 6.6 | 6.2 x 3 x 0.31 |
| MacBook Air (M2) | 13.6 | 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.44 |
| MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2) | 14.2 | 12.31 x 8.91 x 0.61 |
As you can see, iPads come in a range of sizes, from the compact iPad mini to the larger iPad Pro. When choosing the right size for your needs, consider what activities you’ll be using the device for. If you’re primarily using it for reading, browsing the web, or watching videos, a smaller iPad may be sufficient. However, if you’re planning on using it for more intensive tasks like gaming or video editing, a larger iPad with a higher resolution display may be a better choice.
How to Measure Size of iPad
To measure the size of an iPad, you need to determine the diagonal screen size. This measurement is typically given in inches and represents the distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner diagonally.
To measure the diagonal screen size, you can use a ruler or tape measure. Place the ruler or tape measure along the diagonal of the screen, ensuring that it runs from one corner to the opposite corner. The measurement you obtain will be the diagonal screen size of the iPad.
For example, if you measure the diagonal screen size of an iPad and obtain a measurement of 9.7 inches, then the iPad has a 9.7-inch screen.
People Also Ask
How to measure iPad height and width?
To measure the height and width of an iPad, you can use the following steps:
1. Place the iPad on a flat surface.
2. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance from the top edge of the iPad to the bottom edge. This will give you the height of the iPad.
3. Next, measure the distance from the left edge of the iPad to the right edge. This will give you the width of the iPad.
