Have you ever wondered how different Mac screens actually compare in size? In this article, I’ve visualized the current Mac lineup to help you get a clearer sense of the differences. We’ll compare three things: the physical dimensions, the pixel sizes, and the default scaled resolution for each model.
1. Physical Size Differences
Let’s start with the actual, physical measurements of each display—height and width in inches. While Apple markets their devices as “13-inch MacBook Air” or “16-inch MacBook Pro,” the real numbers often differ slightly: for example, the 13-inch MacBook Air is actually 13.6 inches, and the 16-inch Pro is 16.2 inches. It’s a small detail, but worth knowing.
Key Takeaways:
- The Studio Display is about as wide as placing two 13-inch MacBook Airs side by side.
- The 24-inch iMac actually measures 23.5 inches diagonally.
Physical Screen Size List:
- 13-inch MacBook Air (M4): 13.6 inches
- 15-inch MacBook Air (M4): 15.3 inches
- 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max): 14.2 inches
- 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M4 Max): 16.2 inches
- iMac (M4): 23.5 inches
- Studio Display: 27 inches
- Pro Display XDR: 32 inches
2. Differences in Pixel Size
Next, let’s look at pixel dimensions. These don’t always match up perfectly with the physical size, because each model has a different pixel density (measured in ppi—pixels per inch). For example, the MacBook Air has a pixel density of 224 ppi, while the MacBook Pro is higher at 254 ppi. That means more pixels are packed into every inch of the Pro’s screen.
It’s important to note that a larger pixel count doesn’t automatically mean a larger workspace—how much you can actually “fit” on the screen depends on the scaled resolution, which we’ll cover next.
In short: Higher pixel density means sharper images and text.
Key Takeaways:
- MacBook Pro models have a higher pixel density (ppi) than MacBook Air.
- In terms of pixel size, the 14-inch MacBook Pro actually gives you more screen real estate than the 15-inch MacBook Air.
- Desktop Macs and Apple external displays tend to have a lower pixel density than the notebooks.
Pixel Size List:
- 13-inch MacBook Air (M4): 2,560 × 1,664 pixels (224 ppi)
- 15-inch MacBook Air (M4): 2,560 × 1,600 pixels (227 ppi)
- 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max): 3,024 × 1,964 pixels (254 ppi)
- 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M4 Max): 3,456 × 2,234 pixels (254 ppi)
- iMac (M4): 4,480 × 2,520 pixels (218 ppi)
- Studio Display: 5,120 × 2,880 pixels (218 ppi)
- Pro Display XDR: 6,016 × 3,384 pixels (218 ppi)
3. Default Scaled Resolution
The third comparison is the “default scaled resolution.” This number actually determines how much usable workspace you have. Oddly enough, Apple doesn’t explain this very clearly in their product descriptions, but it’s a key factor for comfort and productivity on your Mac.
The default scaled resolution is just the starting point—you can choose a higher setting to “fit more” on the screen, but I personally find the default to be the most comfortable. If you set a higher scaled resolution on a smaller Mac, menus and buttons can become tiny and hard to use.
That said, everyone’s preferences are different! Use these numbers as a rough guide.
Note: External displays like the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR don’t have a designated “default” scaled resolution.
Key Takeaways:
- For MacBooks, the ratio of the default scaled resolution closely matches the ratio of the physical display size.
- The 15-inch MacBook Air actually offers more workspace (at the default setting) than the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Default Scaled Resolution List:
- 13-inch MacBook Air (M4): 1,470 × 956 pixels
- 15-inch MacBook Air (M4): 1,710 × 1,107 pixels
- 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4/M4 Pro/M4 Max): 1,512 × 982 pixels
- 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M4 Max): 1,728 × 1,117 pixels
- iMac (M4): 2,240 × 1,260 pixels
Supplement: Terminology Explained
Pixel Density (ppi)
This refers to how many pixels are packed into an inch of the display—expressed as ppi, or “pixels per inch.” A higher ppi means a sharper, more detailed image, even if the screen size is the same.
Scaled Resolution
This is a macOS feature that makes text and icons easier to see, regardless of the screen’s physical resolution. For example, if a MacBook Air’s default scaled resolution is 1,470 × 956, the display behaves as if it’s that size—even though the actual pixel count is much higher. You can adjust this in System Settings.
Summary
In general, a larger screen means more pixels and a bigger workspace. But the differences between models can be surprisingly significant when you look closer. For instance, the difference between the 13-inch MacBook Air (M4) and the 14-inch MacBook Pro isn’t just “one inch”—the real numbers are 13.6 vs 14.2 inches, and the 14-inch Pro gives you about 18% more usable space in pixels.
It may seem like a small thing, but these details can make a big difference in daily use. I hope this guide helps you choose the best Mac for your needs!
