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How to Measure a Laptop for a Skin: Lid Width and Depth, Not Screen Size

Measure the closed lid, not the screen: width across the widest flat point and depth from the front edge to the hinge, in centimetres. For a universal sheet, choose one slightly larger than both measurements and trim; for a precut skin, match your laptop’s model number instead.

Continue with the size compatibility overview, the application guide, and finishes explained, or browse a model hub such as MacBook skins or Windows laptop skins.

Measure the closed lid — not the screen

Close the laptop fully. Place a tape measure across the outer lid only (the back of the display), not the keyboard deck.

  1. Width — left to right at the widest flat point.
  2. Depth — front edge of the lid to the hinge line (or rear edge of the flat wrap zone).
  3. Note raised badges, camera bumps, hinge covers and vents — these are keep-outs, not “extra coverage”.
  4. Write both measurements in centimetres (and inches if the listing uses inches).
Measuring the closed lid for a laptop skinA closed laptop lid seen from above. Width runs left to right at the widest flat point. Depth runs from the front edge of the lid to the hinge line. A camera bump, a raised badge and the hinge are marked as keep-out areas. A dashed outline shows a universal sheet 1 to 2 centimetres larger on every side. universal sheet: 1–2 cm spare each way front edge of the lid hinge line: keep clear raised badge camera bump Width Depth Measure the outerlid only, in cm Dashed shapesare keep-outs
Measure the flat outer lid and note the keep-outs before you choose a sheet.
Why screen size is not the lid sizeTwo laptops with the same screen diagonal. One has thin bezels and a smaller lid; the other has thicker bezels and a larger lid. The diagonal arrow across the screen is the same length on both, but the outer lids differ. thin bezels: smaller lid thicker bezels: larger lid samediagonal
The same diagonal can sit in very different lids.

Common screen sizes vs typical lid sheet size

Use this as a starting point, then confirm against your own measurements and the product listing.

Advertised screenTypical closed-lid wrap areaUniversal sheet to buyNotes
11.6″–12.5″~28–30 × 19–21 cm
(11–12 × 7.5–8.3 in)		12–13″ sheetChromebooks, compact Windows; always measure the lid.
13.0″–13.6″~30–32 × 21–22 cm
(11.8–12.6 × 8.3–8.7 in)		13–14″ sheetMacBook Air 13″, XPS 13 class; pre-cut often easier for Apple.
14.0″–14.5″~31–33 × 22–23 cm
(12.2–13 × 8.7–9.1 in)		14–15″ sheetMacBook Pro 14″, many ThinkPads and ZenBooks.
15.0″–15.6″~35–36 × 24–25 cm
(13.8–14.2 × 9.4–9.8 in)		15–16″ sheetCommon Windows consumer lids; leave a trim margin.
16.0″–16.2″~35–36 × 24–25 cm
(13.8–14.2 × 9.4–9.8 in)		16–17″ sheetMacBook Pro 16″ and large XPS; confirm depth.
17.0″–17.3″~39–40 × 26–27 cm
(15.4–15.7 × 10.2–10.6 in)		17″ sheetGaming lids are often irregular — measure carefully.

Figures are typical ranges for flat lids, not guarantees. Two laptops with the same screen diagonal can differ by a centimetre or more on the outer lid.

Allow a trim margin

Model hubs after you measure

Apply and aftercare

Clean and dry the lid, rehearse with painter’s tape, apply from a straight edge, and smooth from the centre out. Full steps: apply without bubbles. If edges lift later, see stop edges peeling. When retiring a skin, lift slowly and clean any adhesive with the residue guide. Longevity notes: how long skins last.

Frequently asked questions

Will a skin made for the same screen size fit?

Not necessarily. Screen size is a diagonal measurement; compare closed-lid width and depth with the listing before buying.

Can I cover vents or hinges?

No. Keep vinyl clear of vents, hinge gaps, ports, cameras and moving parts.

Can I remove a laptop skin later?

Most removable vinyl can be lifted slowly from a corner. Use only gentle low heat if it resists, then clean the lid with a soft cloth.