Screen Resolutions Explained: HD, Full HD, 2K, 4K, and 8K

Tap a resolution to see its traits.

HD (720p)

Pixels: 1280Γ—720. A basic resolution used in budget monitors or low-bandwidth streaming, considered somewhat low quality by modern standards.

Full HD (1080p)

Pixels: 1920Γ—1080. The most widely used standard resolution, serving as the default quality for most monitors, broadcast, and YouTube video.

Quad HD (1440p, 2K)

Pixels: 2560Γ—1440. Sharper than Full HD but less demanding than 4K, making it a popular, well-balanced choice for high-performance gaming monitors.

4K (UHD)

Pixels: 3840Γ—2160. An ultra-high-definition resolution with four times the pixel count of Full HD, now the standard for TVs and premium monitors.

8K

Pixels: 7680Γ—4320. The newest resolution, with an overwhelming pixel count four times that of 4K β€” content and equipment supporting it remain limited for now.

More Pixels Means a Sharper Picture

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up a screen horizontally and vertically β€” the higher the number, the sharper the image at the same screen size. Keep in mind, though, that higher resolutions also demand more performance from your computer or graphics card.

Higher Resolution Also Means More Working Space

A higher-resolution monitor lets you fit more content on screen at a comfortable size, which is especially useful when working with multiple windows open side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What resolution is best for a gaming monitor?

For smooth performance in demanding games, Quad HD (1440p) is often considered a good balance between image quality and hardware demands; 4K is worth considering if you have a top-tier graphics card.

Is it worth buying a 4K monitor if I don't have 4K content?

Yes β€” even lower-resolution content is displayed more sharply on a high-resolution monitor thanks to upscaling, and you also get more usable screen space for multitasking with several windows open.