What is the best size for an iPad?

There’s no one answer – it truly depends on your needs. For portability, go for the Mini or Air. For professional use, the Pro models are ideal.

Is the 12.9-inch iPad too large for everyday use?

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is ideal if you need a large screen for multitasking, drawing or professional applications. However, it remains small and light enough to carry around in a backpack.

Can I use the iPad as a laptop replacement?

Yes, the iPad can function as a laptop replacement. It offers powerful performance and compatibility with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil that make the iPad feel more like a computer than a tablet.

Is the iPad Mini too small for professional use?

The iPad Mini is excellent for portability and casual use, but it might feel too small for professional tasks that need more screen space. It’s worth visiting a store to hold the iPad Mini in person and see if the size suits you.

Do all iPad models support the Apple Pencil?

Not all iPad models are compatible with every Apple Pencil (there are four to choose from: Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil 1st generation). Be sure to check with Apple to confirm which Apple Pencil is supported by the iPad you’re considering.

Comparing iPad sizes from every year

Updated on 10 July 2025

10 July 2025

8 mins read

Haziq

Updated on 10 July 2025

10 July 2025

8 mins read

Looking to buy an iPad? You may be asking yourself, "Is the screen big enough?" or "How heavy is it?". Compare iPad sizes in one place below.

The most recent iPad releases (2021-2025)

Year	Model	Screen Size (in/cm)	Dimensions (in/mm)	Weight (without cellular)	Still supported by the most recent iOS?
2025	iPad Air 7th Generation	13 in/33 cm	11.04” x 8.46” x 0.24” (in) 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 (mm)	616 grams	Yes
2025	iPad Air 7th Generation	11 in/27.94 cm	9.74” x 7.02” x 0.24” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 (mm)	460 grams	Yes
2025	iPad 11th Generation	11 in/27.94 cm	9.79" x 7.07" x .28" (in) 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 (mm)	477 grams	Yes
2024	iPad Air 6th Generation	11 in/27.94 cm	9.74” x 7.02” x 0.24” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 (mm)	462 grams	Yes
2024	iPad Air 6th Generation	13 in/33 cm	11.04” x 8.46” x 0.25” (in) 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1 (mm)	617 grams	Yes
2024	iPad Pro 7th Generation	11 in/27.94 cm	9.83” x 6.8” x 0.29” (in) 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 (mm)	444 grams	Yes
2024	iPad Pro 7th Generation	13 in/33 cm	11.09” x 8.48” x 0.20” (in) 281.6 x 215.5 x 5.1 (mm)	579 grams	Yes
2023	iPad Mini 6th Generation	8.3 in/21.08 cm	7.69” × 5.3” × 0.25” (in) 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 (mm)	293 grams	Yes
2022	iPad 10th Generation	10.9 in/27.6 cm	9.79” x 7.07” x 0.28” (in) 248.6 x 179.5 x 7 (mm)	477 grams	Yes
2022	iPad Pro 6th Generation	11 in/27.94 cm	9.75” × 7.03” × 0.23” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 (mm)	466 grams	Yes
2022	iPad Pro 6th Generation	12.9 in/32.7 cm	11.04” x 8.46” x 0.25” (in) 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 (mm)	682 grams	Yes
2022	iPad Air 5th Generation	10.9 in/27.6 cm	9.74” × 7.02” × 0.24” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 (mm)	461 grams	Yes
2021	iPad 9th Generation	10.2 in /25.9 cm	9.8” × 6.8” × 0.29” (in) 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 (mm)	487 grams	Yes
2021	iPad Pro 5th Generation	11 in/27.94 cm	9.75” × 7.03” × 0.23” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 (mm)	471 grams	Yes
2021	iPad Pro 5th Generation	12.9 in/32.7 cm	11.04” x 8.46” x 0.25” (in) 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4 (mm)	682 grams	Yes

Modern era iPads (2017-2020)

Year	Model	Screen Size (diagonal)	Dimensions (in/mm)	Weight (without cellular)	Still supported by the most recent iOS?
2020	iPad Pro 4th Generation	12.9 in/32.7 cm	11.04” x 8.46” x 0.25” (in) 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 (mm)	641 grams	Yes
2020	iPad Pro 4th Generation	11 in/27.94 cm	9.74” × 7.02” × 0.23” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 (mm)	466 grams	Yes
2020	iPad Air 4th Generation	10.9 in/27.6 cm	9.74” × 7.02” × 0.24” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1 (mm)	458 grams	Yes
2020	iPad 8th Generation	10.2 in /25.9 cm	9.8” × 6.8” × 0.29” (in) 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 (mm)	490 grams	Yes
2019	iPad Air 3rd Generation	10.5 in/26.6 cm	9.8” × 6.8” × 0.24” (in) 250.6 x 174.1 x 6.1 (mm)	456 grams	Yes
2019	iPad Mini 5th Generation	7.9 in/20 cm	8.0” × 5.3” × 0.24” (in) 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 (mm)	300.5 grams	Yes
2019	iPad 7th Generation	10.2 in /25.9 cm	9.8” × 6.8” × 0.29” (in) 250.6 x 174.1 x 7.5 (mm)	483 grams	Yes
2018	iPad Pro 3rd Generation	11 in/27.94 cm	9.74” × 7.03” × 0.23” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 (mm)	466 grams	Yes
2018	iPad Pro 3rd Generation	12.9 in/32.7 cm	11.04” x 8.46” x 0.23” (in) 280.6 x 214.9 x 5.9 (mm)	631 grams	Yes
2018	iPad 6th Generation	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.4” × 6.6” × 0.29” (in) 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 (mm)	469 grams	Yes
2017	iPad Pro 2nd Generation	11 in/26.6 cm	9.74” × 7.02” × 0.23” (in) 247.6 x 178.5 x 5.9 (mm)	471 grams	No (up to iOS 17)
2017	iPad Pro 2nd Generation	12.9 in/32.7 cm	12.0” × 8.69” × 0.27” (in) 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 (mm)	677 grams	No (up to iOS 17)
2017	iPad 5th Generation	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.4” × 6.67” × 0.29” (in) 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 (mm)	469 grams	No

Expanding the lineup (2013-2016)

Year	Model	Screen Size (diagonal)	Dimensions (in/mm)	Weight (without cellular)	Still supported by the most recent iOS?
2015	iPad Pro 1st Generation	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.4” × 6.67” × 0.24” (in) 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 (mm)	437 grams	Yes
2015	iPad Pro 1st Generation	12.9 in/32.7 cm	12” × 8.68” × 0.27” (in) 305.7 x 220.6 x 6.9 (mm)	713 grams	Yes
2015	iPad Mini 4	7.9 in/20 cm	8.0” × 5.3” × 0.24” (in) 203.2 x 134.8 x 6.1 (mm)	298.8 grams	No
2015	iPad Mini 3	7.9 in/20 cm	7.87” x 5.3” x 0.29” (in) 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 (mm)	331 grams	No
2014	iPad Air 2	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.4” × 6.6” × 0.24” (in) 240 x 169.5 x 6.1 (mm)	437 grams	No
2013	iPad Mini 2	7.9 in/20 cm	7.87” x 5.3” x 0.29” (in) 200 x 134.7 x 7.5 (mm)	331 grams	No
2013	iPad Air 1st Generation	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.4” × 6.6” × 0.29” (in) 240 x 169.5 x 7.5 (mm)	469 grams	No

The early iPads (2010-2012)

Year	Model	Screen Size (diagonal)	Dimensions (in/cm)	Weight (without cellular)	Still supported by the most recent iOS?
2012	iPad 4th Generation	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.50” x 7.31” x 0.37” (in) 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 (mm)	652 grams	No
2012	iPad Mini 1st Generation	7.9 in/20 cm	7.87” x 5.3” x 0.28” (in) 200 x 134.7 x 7.2 (mm)	308 grams	No
2012	iPad 3rd Generation	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.50” x 7.31” x 0.37” (in) 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 (mm)	652 grams	No
2011	iPad 2nd Generation	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.50” x 7.31” x 0.34” (in) 241.2 x 185.7 x 8.8(mm)	601 grams	No
2010	iPad 1st Generation	9.7 in/24.6 cm	9.56” x 7.47” x 0.50” (in) 242.8 x 189.7 x 13.4 (mm)	680 grams	No

Trends and observations

Size trends

Over the years, iPad sizes have thinned considerably, while the screens themselves have generally got larger. The early iPads (2010-2012) maintained a consistent 9.7-inch size, with the introduction of the smaller 7.9-inch iPad Mini in 2012. From 2013 to 2016, the line up expanded with the introduction of the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, catering to users seeking a more substantial screen for professional use.

In the modern era (2017-2020), Apple continued to diversify its offerings, introducing new sizes like the 10.5-inch and 11-inch models. The recent releases (2021-2024) reflect a trend toward larger screens and thinner, lighter designs, with sizes ranging from 8.3 inches for the iPad Mini to 12.9 inches for the iPad Pro.

Consumer preferences

The variations in iPad sizes indicate a clear understanding of how people use their iPads. Screens got larger as more people used iPads for streaming or work tasks. Still, portability remained at the centre, with designers focusing on slimming down the device itself.

The most recent iPad era reflects these preferences. Nearly every model released since 2021 has a screen size of at least 10” without putting on weight. Many of them are less than a quarter-inch thick, down from the third-inch of the original iPad line up.

Future predictions

Looking ahead, we can expect Apple to continue refining its iPad line up, potentially introducing new sizes and form factors to cater to emerging user needs. The trend toward larger, more immersive displays is likely to continue. After all, we can’t expect Apple not to continue evolving the iPad.

That doesn’t mean you need to line up around the block to buy every new iPad that comes out. Buying a cheap refurbished iPad demonstrates the lasting power and relevance of “older” iPad models, with many of the same features, screen brilliance and processing speed without the price tag and environmental waste of a new device.

Which iPad is best for you?

Choosing the right iPad depends on your specific needs. For portability, the iPad mini is an excellent choice, while the iPad Air offers a balance of performance and ultra-thin size. For those seeking top-tier performance and large displays, the iPad Pro models are the way to go.

Students can use any iPad model for note-taking and classwork. iPad Pro, Mini and Air also come with powerful processing chips like the A14 Bionic chip, M1, M2 or M4. For graphic design or film students, however, the iPad Pro might edge out. Depending on the model, the iPad Pro has a Liquid Retina XDR display for brighter, dynamic screens.

Buying tips for iPads

Know how you’ll use it: Determine what you’ll primarily use the iPad for. Portability and light tasks favour smaller sizes, while productivity and creative work benefit from larger screens.
Portability vs screen size: If you travel often or need an iPad that’s easy to carry around, a smaller model like the iPad Mini or Air might be better. For stationary use or multitasking, larger models like the iPad Pro could work.
Budget: Larger and newer models are generally more expensive, whereas refurbished models offer the same experience and performance for a cheaper price tag. Set a budget and find a balance between size, performance and price.
Hands-on experience: If possible, visit a store in person to try out different iPads to help you determine which size is most comfortable to you. Then, order online from refurbished retailers like Back Market.
Future-proofing: If you anticipate needing a larger screen or more processing power down the line, it might be worth investing in a model like the iPad Pro now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s no one answer – it truly depends on your needs. For portability, go for the Mini or Air. For professional use, the Pro models are ideal.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is ideal if you need a large screen for multitasking, drawing or professional applications. However, it remains small and light enough to carry around in a backpack.
Yes, the iPad can function as a laptop replacement. It offers powerful performance and compatibility with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil that make the iPad feel more like a computer than a tablet.
The iPad Mini is excellent for portability and casual use, but it might feel too small for professional tasks that need more screen space. It’s worth visiting a store to hold the iPad Mini in person and see if the size suits you.
Not all iPad models are compatible with every Apple Pencil (there are four to choose from: Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil (USB-C), Apple Pencil 2nd generation and Apple Pencil 1st generation). Be sure to check with Apple to confirm which Apple Pencil is supported by the iPad you’re considering.

Wrapping up: Navigating the iPad size landscape

From the compact iPad Mini to the expansive iPad Pro, iPad sizes have evolved to reflect how we use these devices in our everyday lives. Whether for work, leisure or both, the right iPad size and specifications unlock a world of possibilities. And you don’t have to break the bank to achieve those goals, either. Explore Back Market’s refurbished iPad deals to find the perfect iPad at a great price.

Written by Haziq

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