Viewing Distance Calculator

Our viewing distance calculator is used to figure out the optimal seating distance for your audience based on the projector screen size you are considering.

How to Calculate Screen Viewing Distance

Viewing Distance Formula:

Use the following formula to calculate the viewing distance for a given viewing angle.

• d – the viewing distance
• w – the screen width
• θ – the viewing angle

The optimal viewing distance from a screen depends on the screen’s width. Various standards define the proper viewing angle for viewing content on a projection screen.

THX recommends a viewing angle of 26° to 40°, with a preferred angle of 36° to 40° if possible. The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) recommends a viewing angle of 30°.

Viewing Distances based on Visual Perception: These distances are calculated based on the resolving power of the human eye, or visual perception. The human eye with 20/20 vision can detect or resolve details as small as 1/60th of a degree of arc. These distances represent the point beyond which some of the detail in the picture is no longer able to be resolved and “blends” with adjacent detail.

FAQ

How far away should you sit from a 100 inch screen?

Below is a list that you can use for reference 100-inch projector screen viewing distance and other sizes:

• 84 inch projector screen viewing distance – 9.4 ft
• 92 inch projector screen viewing distance – 10.3 ft
• 100-inch projector screen viewing distance – 11.2 ft
• 110 inch projector screen viewing distance – 12.3 ft
• 120 inch projector screen viewing distance -13.4 ft
• 135 inch projector screen viewing distance – 15.1 ft
• 140 inch projector screen viewing distance – 15.6 ft
• 150 inch screen viewing distance – 16.7 ft
• 160 inch projector screen dimensions – 17.9 ft
• 180 inch projector screen viewing distance – 20.1 ft
• 200 inch projector screen viewing distance – 22.3 ft