Projector Distance Calculator
Calculate the optimal projector distance and screen size for your room. Enter your projector's throw ratio and desired screen size to get precise installation measurements.
Projector Settings
Most projectors use 16:9 for home theater
Calculated Results
Screen Size
--
inches
Screen Width
--
Screen Height
--
Screen Area
--
Optimal Viewing
--
Quick Reference: Common Setups
Home Theater
- Screen: 100-120 inches
- Distance: 3-4 meters
- Throw Ratio: 1.2-1.8
- Aspect: 16:9
Living Room
- Screen: 80-100 inches
- Distance: 2.5-3.5 meters
- Throw Ratio: 1.0-1.5
- Consider ambient light
Small Room / Bedroom
- Screen: 60-80 inches
- Distance: 1.5-2.5 meters
- Short throw recommended
- Throw Ratio: 0.5-1.0
Conference Room
- Screen: 100-150 inches
- Distance: 3-5 meters
- 4:3 or 16:10 aspect
- High brightness needed
What is Throw Ratio?
Throw ratio is the relationship between the projector's distance from the screen and the width of the projected image. It's calculated as: Throw Ratio = Distance ÷ Screen Width.
Types of Projector Throw Ratios
| Type | Throw Ratio | Distance for 100" Screen | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Short Throw | 0.2 - 0.4 | 0.4 - 0.9m (1.3 - 3 ft) | Small rooms, interactive displays |
| Short Throw | 0.4 - 1.0 | 0.9 - 2.2m (3 - 7 ft) | Living rooms, bedrooms, gaming |
| Standard Throw | 1.0 - 2.0 | 2.2 - 4.4m (7 - 14 ft) | Home theaters, conference rooms |
| Long Throw | 2.0 - 3.0+ | 4.4m+ (14+ ft) | Large venues, auditoriums |
How to Calculate Projector Distance
The basic formula is: Distance = Throw Ratio × Screen Width. For a 16:9 aspect ratio screen, the width is approximately 87% of the diagonal size.
Optimal Viewing Distance
For the best viewing experience, the optimal viewing distance is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen diagonal.
Projector Installation Tips
- Check your projector's specific throw ratio in the manual or specifications
- Account for lens shift and zoom range when planning placement
- Ensure the projector is level and perpendicular to the screen
- Consider ceiling mount for permanent installation
- Leave space for ventilation and cable management
- Check for ambient light control options in your room
Projector Brightness Guide
Screen size affects how bright your projector needs to be. Larger screens spread the light over more area, requiring more lumens.
| Screen Size | Dark Room | Dim Room | Bright Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-80" | 1,500-2,000 | 2,000-2,500 | 3,000+ |
| 80-100" | 2,000-2,500 | 2,500-3,000 | 3,500+ |
| 100-120" | 2,500-3,000 | 3,000-3,500 | 4,000+ |
| 120-150" | 3,000-3,500 | 3,500-4,500 | 5,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my projector's throw ratio?
Check your projector's specifications sheet or manual. It's usually listed as a single number (e.g., 1.5) or a range (e.g., 1.2-1.9) for projectors with zoom lenses.
What size screen should I get for my room?
The ideal screen size depends on your viewing distance and room size. A general rule is that the screen diagonal should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of your viewing distance.
Can I use a short throw projector for a large screen?
Yes, but there are trade-offs. Short throw projectors can create large images from short distances, but may have more geometric distortion at larger sizes.
What's the difference between throw ratio and throw distance?
Throw distance is the actual physical distance between the projector and screen. Throw ratio is a multiplier that relates this distance to screen width.
How does aspect ratio affect screen size calculations?
Different aspect ratios have different width-to-height proportions. A 16:9 screen is wider relative to its height than a 4:3 screen.
Related Resources
Loading...