Our monitor arm buying guide mentions checking VESA compatibility before buying — this explains exactly what that means, using the actual published standard rather than approximations.
| Standard | Hole pattern | Screw size | Max. weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIS-D | 75x75mm or 100x100mm | M4 | ~14 kg (30.8 lb) |
| MIS-E | 100x200mm | M4 | ~22.7 kg (50 lb) |
| MIS-F | 200mm increments (200x200, 400x400...) | M6+ | Up to ~113.6 kg (large displays) |
Source: VESA Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) specification, cross-referenced against multiple independent technical references.
If you own a standard computer monitor under about 32 inches, it's almost certainly MIS-D — either 75x75mm or 100x100mm. Most modern monitor arms include a "combo plate" with holes for both patterns, so a single arm typically covers either variant without needing to know which one in advance.
Some ultra-thin monitors and all-in-one PCs skip VESA holes entirely, relying on a proprietary stand instead. Adapter plates exist for some models that clip onto the stand-mounting slot and create an effective VESA 75x75 interface, but availability is model-specific — check your exact monitor model rather than assuming a generic adapter will fit.
The weight limits above are for the VESA interface itself — the actual arm you buy may rate lower than the VESA standard's maximum, since the arm's spring mechanism (see our guide to why arms droop) is a separate constraint from what the mounting holes can structurally support. Always check the specific arm's stated weight range, not just VESA compatibility, before buying.
Use our free VESA Compatibility Checker to enter your monitor's measurements and weight, and get a straightforward read on which standard you have and what to look for in an arm.
MIS-D, with either a 75x75mm or 100x100mm square hole pattern using M4 screws. This covers the vast majority of monitors up to about 14kg (roughly 30 lbs).
Measure the horizontal distance between the centers of the left and right mounting holes, then the vertical distance between the top and bottom holes. The result, in millimeters, is your VESA size.
Sometimes — adapter plates exist for some monitors and all-in-one PCs that clip onto the stand slot instead of screwing into holes. Availability depends on the specific monitor model.
What actually matters here: MIS-D covers almost every desk monitor, most arms handle both its variants automatically, and weight rating on the specific arm matters as much as the VESA pattern itself.
What might change: figures above reflect the published VESA FDMI specification as commonly referenced; always confirm your specific monitor and arm's stated compatibility before purchase.