Choosing the Right Monitor Size

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the critical role of PPI (Pixels Per Inch) in application development and monitor selection. Since the vast majority of desktop applications are designed based on the 96 PPI standard, using Fractional Scaling when a monitor's PPI is not an integer multiple of 96 can result in blurry images or jaggies. The article points out that when selecting a monitor, one should calculate its PPI to ensure it is close to an integer multiple of 96 (such as 96, 192, or 288), thereby achieving clear and appropriately sized text display through 100%, 200%, or 300% integer scaling. For macOS users, the 72 PPI standard should be referenced, ensuring the PPI is an integer multiple of 72. The article demonstrates how to calculate the optimal scaling ratio based on resolution and size using examples such as LG OLED, Surface Studio, and the Apple Studio Display, and provides C# code to assist in the calculation. Finally, it emphasizes that while PPI and scaling ratios are core parameters for ensuring text clarity and appropriate size, other performance metrics such as color accuracy, refresh rate, and HDR support must also be considered when purchasing a monitor. This article aims to help resolve issues of text being too large or too small and scaling blur, rather than providing a sole standard for selection.