When you buy a monitor arm or wall mount, you meet a spec written as two numbers, most often 75×75 or 100×100. These are VESA mounting patterns, the spacing in millimeters between the four screw holes on the back of your monitor. Get the match wrong and your mount will not bolt to your screen. This guide explains what VESA 75 and 100 mean, how to tell which your monitor uses, and what to do when they do not line up.
What the numbers mean
A VESA pattern describes a square of four threaded holes on the back of the monitor. VESA 75 means the holes are 75 mm apart horizontally and vertically; VESA 100 means 100 mm apart. The mount has a matching plate with holes at the same spacing. As long as the monitor and the mount share a pattern, the four screws line up and the screen bolts on securely.
Which monitors use which
Smaller and lighter monitors, roughly up to around 24 inches, often use VESA 75, while larger monitors commonly use VESA 100. This is a general trend, not a rule, so always check your specific model. Some monitors omit VESA holes entirely, and a few use larger patterns like 200×100 for big displays.
| Pattern | Hole spacing | Typical monitors |
|---|---|---|
| VESA 75 | 75 x 75 mm | Smaller, lighter screens |
| VESA 100 | 100 x 100 mm | Most mid to large screens |
| 200 x 100 | 200 x 100 mm | Large displays and TVs |
| No VESA | None | Needs an adapter bracket |
How to find your pattern
Measure the horizontal and vertical distance center to center between the four screw holes on the back of the monitor; 75 mm means VESA 75, 100 mm means VESA 100. If the holes are hidden behind the stand, remove the stand first. You can also check the monitor’s spec sheet, which lists the VESA size. Most quality monitor arms support both 75 and 100 patterns out of the box.
When patterns do not match
If your monitor is VESA 75 and the mount is drilled only for 100, or the monitor has no VESA holes at all, use a VESA adapter plate. These inexpensive brackets bridge different patterns or clamp to a non-VESA monitor to provide standard mounting holes. Confirm the adapter supports both your monitor’s size and weight before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Can a VESA 100 mount work with a VESA 75 monitor?
Only if the mount explicitly supports both patterns, which most modern arms do by including holes for both. If the mount has only 100 mm holes, it will not line up with a 75 mm monitor, and you will need a VESA adapter plate to bridge the difference. Check the mount’s supported patterns before buying.
What if my monitor has no VESA holes?
Some monitors, especially thin or budget models, lack VESA holes. In that case you need a VESA adapter bracket that clamps around the monitor or attaches to its base to provide standard mounting holes. Verify the adapter is rated for your monitor’s size and weight, since these brackets have limits.
Bottom line
VESA 75 and 100 are the screw-hole spacings on the back of your monitor, 75 mm or 100 mm apart, and your mount must match. Smaller screens tend to use 75 and larger ones 100, but always measure or check the spec. Most quality arms support both; if yours does not match or your monitor lacks VESA holes, an inexpensive adapter plate solves it.
