Measure the TV’s full outer width, height, and depth edge-to-edge, then add 1–2 inches of clearance for a cover that fits.
For the full breakdown, see our best 65 Inch Outdoor TV Cover guide.
Buying an outdoor TV cover without measuring is a gamble — too small and it won’t go on, too large and it flaps in the wind. The right approach takes three measurements of the TV’s outer casing, not the screen. A measuring tape and five minutes are all you need.
Which Three Dimensions Matter Most
You need the width, height, and depth of the TV’s full outer frame — the housing that contains the screen, not the visible picture area. According to Coverstore’s official guide, you should include the bezel and frame in all three measurements.
- Width: Measure left-to-right across the TV’s outer edges, including any frame or bezel.
- Height: Measure top-to-bottom from the outer edge of the casing, again including the bezel.
- Depth: Measure from the front face to the back panel at the deepest point.
Depth is the one people skip, and it matters more than you’d think. A cover sized for a slim TV won’t fit a model with a thick protruding back, even if the width and height are right.
Screen Size Alone Won’t Save You
The advertised 65-inch diagonal tells you almost nothing about the physical footprint. Two 65-inch TVs from different brands can differ by several inches in width and height once you include the bezel.
Always compare your measured numbers against the cover’s size chart before ordering. The chart on the product page is the final authority, not the TV’s model name.
Add a Little Room and Watch for Mounts
That buffer makes the cover easier to pull on and off and keeps it from binding against the corners.
If your TV is wall-mounted, measure the TV’s width and height including the bezel — but never include the wall mount or bracket itself in those numbers. The cover fits the TV, not the hardware. One exception: ceiling-mounted setups occasionally need the mount extension measured separately and factored into the choice, per some product guidance. If you’re using a stand that stays exposed, check whether the cover you’re eyeing is built for a wall-mounted set or expects the stand to be covered.
| Cover Size Range | Example Max Dimensions | Typical TV Fit |
|---|---|---|
| 30–32 in | 29 x 19 x 4.5 in | Small bedroom or patio TVs |
| 40–43 in | 39 x 25 x 4.5 in | Standard living room sets |
| 48–50 in | 48 x 28 x 4.5 in | Medium outdoor setups |
| 52–55 in | 50 x 30 x 4.5 in | Common patio size |
| 60–65 in | 58 x 37 x 4.5 in | Larger outdoor walls |
| 70–75 in | 68 x 42 x 4.5 in | Big home theater |
| 80–85 in | 78 x 46 x 4.5 in | Extra-wide installations |
| 86–90 in | 82 x 50 x 4.5 in | Maximum-size screens |
These are example maxima from typical listings. Your TV’s exact numbers might slot into a different range than its diagonal suggests — which is exactly why you measure first.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
Four errors trip up most people. Measuring only the glass instead of the full casing tops the list. Forgetting the bezel runs a close second — a half-inch frame on each side adds a full inch to the width. Third, assuming the diagonal size alone picks the cover. Fourth, including the wall bracket when the cover is for a wall-mounted TV. Each one leads to a cover that either won’t fit or hangs loosely.
Take the measurements twice, compare them to the cover’s chart, and order the size that matches or slightly exceeds your numbers.
References & Sources
- Coverstore. “How to Measure for a TV Cover.” Official guidance on measuring width, height, and depth with bezel included.
- Coverstore. “How to Choose the Right Outdoor TV Cover.” Explains adding 1–2 inches and handling wall-mounted setups.