Monitor Mounts, Arms and Stands

VESA pattern, screen size and weight: the limits of every mount

Three limits decide compatibility. First is the VESA pattern, the spacing of the four screw holes on the back of the monitor, usually 75 by 75 or 100 by 100 millimeters. Second is the screen size range, for example 15 to 27 inches for a single arm. Third is weight capacity per arm, listed in kilograms or pounds. Curved and ultrawide screens are wide and heavy, so check the maximum size and weight. A monitor without holes, or with recessed ones, may need an adapter kit.

Clamp, grommet or wall, and gas spring or fixed height

Desk arms attach with a clamp that grips the desk edge or a grommet bolt through a hole, so check your desk thickness and whether the back edge has a lip or panel in the way. Gas spring arms move with one hand and hold position only if the monitor weight falls within the spring's range. Fixed stands and wall mounts are simpler and steady, but cannot move easily. Wall mounts need a solid wall or studs. Privacy filters must match the screen's diagonal and aspect ratio, 16:9 or 16:10.

Questions about Monitor Mounts, Arms and Stands

What does VESA 75 or 100 mean?

It is the spacing in millimeters between the four mounting holes on the back of a monitor: 75 by 75 or 100 by 100. The arm or wall mount must support the same pattern as your screen.

Can one arm hold an ultrawide monitor?

Only if the arm lists enough weight capacity and screen size for it. Ultrawide and curved screens are heavy and wide, so choose a bracket rated above your monitor's weight, preferably a gas spring arm with tension adjustment.

Why does my monitor sink or drift on a gas spring arm?

The spring tension does not match the monitor's weight. Most arms have an adjustment screw to tighten or loosen it. If the monitor is below or above the arm's weight range, adjustment alone will not hold it in place.