What Is VESA? How to Check If Your Monitor Can Use an Arm

Monitor mounted via VESA on ERGONOZ arm

Quick answer: VESA is the universal standard for mounting points on the back of monitors, most commonly found as VESA 75x75 mm or VESA 100x100 mm patterns. To check if your monitor can use a monitor arm, look for these four-hole patterns on the back of your screen or in the spec sheet, and ensure your monitor’s weight falls within the arm’s supported range.

Why does the VESA pattern matter before buying an arm?

Many people assume any monitor arm fits any screen, but the critical factor is actually the mounting interface, known as the VESA mount. This standard is defined by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). Knowing your specific pattern in advance ensures you buy the right hardware, avoiding the hassle of returning items because they don’t fit or needing extra adapters.

The difference between VESA 75x75 and VESA 100x100

The numbers 75x75 and 100x100 do not refer to the screen size. They refer to the distance between the four mounting holes in millimeters (width x height):

  • VESA 75x75: Commonly found on smaller to mid-sized monitors (e.g., 17-24 inches) that are lightweight.
  • VESA 100x100: The most common standard for mid-to-large monitors (e.g., 24-32 inches) and some curved displays.

If you buy an arm that supports both sizes, you won’t need to worry about which pattern your monitor has. Most quality arms, like those from ERGONOZ, include adapter plates in the box to convert between 75x75 and 100x100.

ERGONOZ Core Single Monitor Arm

How to check and measure your VESA holes

If you can’t find the specs in your manual or on the manufacturer’s website, the most accurate method is to measure the distance between the four holes on the back of your monitor yourself using a ruler or tape measure. Here are the simple steps:

  1. Flip the monitor or place it so you can clearly see the back.
  2. Locate the four threaded holes (or sometimes 2-3 holes positioned to indicate a VESA system).
  3. Measure the horizontal distance (width) and vertical distance (height) in millimeters.
  4. Compare your results to the common standard values.

Note: Some gaming monitors or ultra-wide screens may lack VESA holes entirely or have holes positioned outside the standard frame. In these cases, you may need a specific adapter bracket. Always check with the seller before ordering if your monitor is non-standard.

How to choose an arm that fits your monitor?

Beyond the VESA pattern, the weight of your monitor is the second most critical factor. Each arm lists its supported weight range. If your monitor is too heavy, the arm may sag or fold down. If it’s too light, the arm may not hold the position securely.

Compare popular ERGONOZ models

For general users new to VESA standards, these two models cover the majority of monitors on the market:

Model Price VESA Support Screen Size Weight Range
ERGONOZ Core ฿1,290 75x75 / 100x100 17" - 32" 2 - 9 kg
ERGONOZ Astro ฿2,990 75x75 / 100x100 13" - 35" 2.5 - 12 kg

The Core model is ideal for general users with standard 24-27 inch monitors weighing under 9 kg. The Astro is designed for heavier or larger screens (such as 32-inch monitors or ultra-wide displays) and includes two USB 3.0 ports at the base, adding convenience for cable management when connecting a mouse or keyboard.

ERGONOZ Astro Single Monitor Arm

Frequently asked questions

What if my monitor has no VESA holes?

If your monitor has a non-removable stand or lacks built-in VESA holes, you will need to purchase a specific "Adapter Bracket" designed for your monitor model to convert it to a VESA standard before attaching an arm. Always verify your monitor’s model number with the seller before ordering.

What is the practical difference between VESA 75 and 100?

In practice, if you buy an arm that supports both sizes (like the Core or Astro from ERGONOZ), you rarely need to worry, as adapter plates are usually included in the box. If your arm only supports one size, you must ensure your monitor’s hole pattern matches exactly.

Can I use a computer monitor arm for a TV?

Yes, but you must check two things: 1) Does the TV have VESA holes? (Most do). 2) Is the TV’s weight within the arm’s limit? Large TVs (40 inches+) often weigh over 12 kg, which may exceed the capacity of standard computer monitor arms.

How do I measure VESA holes accurately?

Use a ruler to measure from the center of one hole to the center of the opposite hole, both horizontally and vertically. Do not measure from the edge of the hole, as this causes errors. The result should be a round number like 75 mm or 100 mm. If you get odd numbers like 60 mm, your monitor may not follow the standard VESA pattern.

The bottom line

Checking your VESA holes and monitor weight is the essential first step before buying a monitor arm to ensure a secure and proper fit. For those wanting to start confidently, check out the ERGONOZ Core, which supports both 75x75 and 100x100 patterns at an accessible price, or read more about how to choose a monitor arm for deeper insights. Orders over ฿800 ship free in Thailand.

About ERGONOZ — a Thai ergonomics brand designing monitor arms, standing desks, and ergonomic chairs for the way you actually work. Read the brand story at ergonoz.com.