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What scaling should I use with a 24-inch 4K monitor?

TechCompare recommends 225% scaling (225% exact).

TechCompare recommends 225% for a 24-inch (61.0 cm) 4K monitor. The exact target is 225% too, so the common preset directly matches our reference size. This compact 4K panel has more pixels per inch than a larger 4K monitor. Without enough scaling, text and controls use very little physical space even though the desktop contains many pixels.

By TechCompare · Updated

TechCompare recommendation:

225% Scaling (225% exact)

225% scalingWindows 11
Monitor and interface at proportional physical sizes

Recommended monitors

Based on the specs you entered, here are the monitors TechCompare recommends.

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This 24-inch 4K monitor setup Compare scaling settings, desktop styles, and example windows in the full tool.
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How this is calculated

At about 183.58 PPI, the panel's density is 2.25 times our 27-inch 1080p reference. At 225%, its logical desktop is about 1707 × 960. Choosing 200% gives 1920 × 1080, while 250% gives 1536 × 864. Those values describe modeled workspace, not a change in the panel's resolution. The Windows taskbar is 48 logical units at every setting, so it takes about 108 panel pixels at 225% in this illustration.

Verdict

Try 225% for the reference size and compare 200% if you want a little more room. Use 250% when larger controls are more valuable than extra workspace. At this diagonal, high pixel density and ample logical desktop space are different benefits. You can use the panel's pixels for detailed rendering while still choosing a comfortable interface size. The preview helps you see that tradeoff before changing settings on the real display.

More display scaling scenarios

27-inch 1440p monitor
Recommended 125% scaling for comfortable text while keeping plenty of workspace on a 1440p screen.
View details ➜
27-inch 4K monitor
Recommended 200% scaling for razor-sharp text matching standard 1080p physical interface sizes.
View details ➜
32-inch 4K monitor
Recommended 175% scaling to balance generous desktop workspace with crisp interface elements.
View details ➜

Related guides

24" 16:9 monitor screen size
Physical dimensions and desk footprint of a 24-inch monitor.
View guide ➜
24" 1440p monitor PPI
Compare pixel density on a compact 24-inch panel.
View guide ➜

Frequently asked questions

What scaling should I use with a 24-inch 4K monitor?
TechCompare recommends starting at 225%. The exact target is 225%, based on our 27-inch (68.6 cm) 1080p reference at 100%. It's a size preference, so compare nearby settings and choose the one that feels comfortable on your own display.
Is this the same as Windows' recommended scaling?
No. TechCompare uses its own preferred physical interface size, based on a 27-inch (68.6 cm) 1080p monitor at 100%. We calculate its full pixel density and match other displays to that reference. This tool doesn't detect the setting Windows marks as Recommended. Comfort, eyesight, viewing distance, and your apps can make a different percentage suit you better.
Does scaling change my monitor's resolution or PPI?
Scaling changes how many panel pixels a logical interface unit occupies. It doesn't change the panel's physical pixel density. A 3840 × 2160 display at 200% has a modeled 1920 × 1080 logical desktop while still using the 4K panel. Keep the display at its native resolution when comparing scaling. Microsoft explains resolution and scaling settings.
How do I change display scaling in Windows 11?
Open Settings > System > Display, select the monitor you want to change, then choose a percentage under Scale in the Scale & layout section. Try your preferred setting in a few everyday apps. This preview is a planning aid and won't apply anything to Windows. See Microsoft's display settings guide for the current steps.
Does Ubuntu GNOME support every percentage in the preview?
The dropdown models interface sizes from 100% to 500%. It doesn't check which settings your Ubuntu version, desktop session, or graphics setup offers. The Ubuntu top panel and Dock use illustrative dimensions. Choose the scale that's actually available in your display settings, then use the preview to understand the size and workspace tradeoff.
Is the desktop preview life-size or pixel-perfect?
No. It shrinks to fit the page while preserving panel proportions and modeled interface sizes. Example windows, icons, and fonts are illustrations. The Windows taskbar uses a 48-unit reference measured on one desktop, while the Ubuntu panel and Dock use sizing assumptions. Compare relative layout space here, then judge actual text and app rendering on your own monitor.

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