This explainer clarifies what a VESA mount is and why it matters when buying a wall bracket for a television. VESA stands for Video Electronics Standards Association, and a VESA size refers to the standardised spacing between the threaded mounting holes on the back of a TV, not its resolution or screen dimensions—understanding this helps buyers choose a compatible bracket rather than guessing.

The VESA pattern is expressed as two numbers in millimetres, horizontal by vertical, so a 400 x 200 pattern means the holes sit 400mm apart side to side and 200mm apart top to bottom; larger TVs tend to use larger patterns, but this isn't guaranteed by screen size alone. The most reliable way to find the correct figure is checking the manufacturer's manual or support page, though it can also be measured directly between hole centres. Many mounts support several VESA patterns, so an exact match isn't essential as long as the TV's pattern is listed as compatible—but buyers must still separately verify the mount's weight limit and required hardware, since VESA compatibility alone doesn't guarantee a bracket can safely hold a given television.