98 vs 100-inch TVs: is the larger size worth it?
A 100-inch TV gives you only about 4% more screen area than a 98-inch TV. Compare the picture, exact US model and installed cost before paying more for the bigger number.
Is 100 inches worth paying more for than 98 inches?
A 100-inch 16:9 screen has only 4.1% more area than a 98-inch screen. It adds about 1.7 inches of visible width and 1 inch of height. At that point, the exact model’s picture quality, current delivered price and installation requirements can matter much more than two extra diagonal inches.
Moving from 85 to 98 inches is a larger step: roughly 32.9% more screen area. If you want a noticeably bigger picture, compare that change first. If you already have 98 inches, changing to 100 inches mainly for size is a modest upgrade. These are calculated comparisons of equal 16:9 shapes, not measurements of a TV’s housing.
98-inch versus 100-inch TV dimensions
| Diagonal | Screen, inches | Screen, centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 85 inch | 74.1 × 41.7 in | 188.2 × 105.8 cm |
| 98 inch | 85.4 × 48.0 in | 217.0 × 122.0 cm |
| 100 inch | 87.2 × 49.0 in | 221.4 × 124.5 cm |
Use the full TV size chart and calculator to compare another size or your current TV.
How to choose the best 98 or 100-inch TV for your room
Daytime sports
Check sustained brightness, reflection handling and wide seating. A bright demo is not enough: inspect independent findings for the screen size you intend to buy and see how compressed sports look.
Compare bright-room priorities →Evening movies
Look at dark scenes, subtitles, blooming and viewing angle. A slightly smaller screen with better contrast can be more satisfying than extra area with a distracting picture trade-off.
Compare movie priorities →Gaming
Confirm the HDMI mode your console or PC needs, VRR behavior and game-mode image quality. Count the ports you can use after connecting a soundbar. A high PC refresh headline does not prove every console mode.
Compare gaming priorities →These are buying priorities. The current product assessment and available offers belong to each exact-size review and TV Finder.
Three exact US models to investigate
Start with these exact US profiles, then compare their current Piqelo Scores, independent research, practical trade-offs and retailer options in the linked reviews.
Hisense U7SG, 100 inch
US 100U7SG. Hisense publishes a dedicated US 100-inch product page and size-specific documents. Match this SKU before comparing a deal.
Full Piqelo Review →Sony BRAVIA 7 II, 98 inch
Sony’s US mounting guide has a separate 98-inch entry. Check its exact model suffix and installation information.
Full Piqelo Review →TCL QM8L, 98 inch
US 98QM8L. RTINGS lists the US 98-inch variant, while its tested unit is 65 inches. Read the size applicability before treating a result as an exact 98-inch measurement.
Full Piqelo Review →Do not compare a European C-series model, a neighboring screen size or an older generation as though it were the same US television. Source-backed series observations can help narrow the choice, but they do not become new exact-size lab results here.
Compare the total installed cost
Request the delivered cost for the exact SKU, then include installation, a suitable mount or furniture, stairs or special handling, old-TV removal and the retailer’s return arrangements. Compare the seller and warranty too. A lower item price can lose its advantage if the delivery or installation does not fit your home.
Measure the route into the room with the boxed dimensions. Confirm turns, lift or stair access and who handles positioning. Check manufacturer mounting instructions, bracket load and wall requirements with the installer. The visible-screen chart cannot establish that a wall or cabinet is suitable.
Large-screen buying questions
How wide is a 100-inch TV?
The nominal 16:9 visible screen is about 87.2 inches wide, or 221.4 cm. The actual TV housing is wider. For the stand or an alcove, use the exact manufacturer dimensions with the intended stand configuration.
Are the 98-inch and 65-inch versions equally tested?
Check the source’s tested-unit and variant notes. A review may assess one size and discuss expected behavior of others. Local dimming, panel characteristics, stand layout and inputs can differ by size, so do not carry over an unsupported measurement.
Should I choose a better 85-inch TV instead?
Compare from your actual seat. The larger screen can make movies feel more immersive, while the smaller model may offer a picture-quality or price advantage. Weigh both using the same room, use and budget in TV Finder.
Sources and scope
Hisense USA: exact 100U7SG and documents ↗ · Sony USA: 2026 model-specific mounting guide ↗ · RTINGS: QM8L tested size and US variants ↗.
Screen dimensions and area differences use the explicit 16:9 calculation in the size guide. Use each exact-size review for its supported findings and current buying options.