When evaluating the size (and comfort) of a seat, the main terms used are pitch and width.
- Seat pitch
It is a common misunderstanding that "pitch" is the same as "legroom".
Seat pitch is an indication of legroom, referring to the space between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of it. For many carriers, the pitch in Economy class is 30 to 32 inches. More seat pitch can mean more legroom, but it is also affected by the thickness of the seat back. Airlines have claimed that a reduction of seat pitch can be compensated for by a thinner seat-back design.
- Seat width
Seat width is the distance from armrest to armrest, in Economy class this is typically around 43 centimeters (17 in).