Over the past several years, I’ve slowly constructed a spreadsheet to meet all of my home theater design needs. I noticed on various forums that others could probably benefit from this spreadsheet, so I cleaned it up and I’m now making it available to the public. Please download it and put it to good use!

The spreadsheet contains calculations for the following:

  • recommended viewing distances for a given screen size – for both flat panels and projectors (based on THX and SMPTE standards)
  • recommended viewing distances for a given display resolution – 480p, 720p, 1080p/1080i, 1440p, etc (based on Visual Acuity standards)
  • various screen aspect ratios (4:3, 16:9, 1.85:1, 2.35:1, custom ratios, etc.)
  • projector screen size & screen brightness with guidelines for recommended values (based on projector brightness and screen gain)
  • projector screen size & projector mounting location (based on min/max projector throw distances)
  • seat locations, a second row stadium seating platform height calculation, and a few other goodies.

Microsoft Excel Icon theater_calculator_v4.1.xlsx

Please report any problems or suggestions via e-mail or the comments form below.

Revision history:

  • Version 4.1: Added details on how to enter 4k and 8k UHD resolutions.
  • Version 4.0: Added Anamorphic (horizontal expansion) front projector lens option, which adjusts projector brightness and throw ratios when selected.
  • Version 3.7: Clarified back row platform height input fields, modified formulas to prevent negative platform heights (user info message instead), changed spreadsheet defaults to better fit a typical home theater.
  • Version 3.6: Added feature to allow calculation of Visual Acuity Viewing Distance based on eyesight of the viewer. The default is 20/20 vision; changing the input to 20/10 vision with show that the viewer will be able to spot resolution deficiencies at much greater distances due to more acute eyesight.
  • Version 3.5: Fixed bug in the aspect ratio input that caused international users to have problems (problem was related to using “,” as decimal delimiter instead of “.”) Added cells to the far right of the spreadsheet to allow changing and adding custom screen aspect ratios.
  • Version 3.4: Widened columns that were causing being truncated for international users.
  • Version 3.3: Added 2.35:1 aspect ratio back.
  • Version 3.2: Changed anamorphic aspect ratio from 2.35:1 to 2.370370:1, which is the correct value for a 16:9 projector with a 4:3 anamorphic lens. Corrected spelling mistakes on one of the extra tabs within the spreadsheet.
  • Version 3.1: Fixed unit conversion formula that was causing “Second Row Field-of-View Width” to not calculate when any unit besides “inches” was selected.
  • Version 3.0: Added minimum viewing distance calculation, added conditional feedback on seating distance for each specification (seating distance too far, etc.), added first row and second row seating distances (for conditional feedback on seating distances), added field-of-view results (in degrees), added ability to calculate projector throw distances for any screen size (just enter the throw information for one screen and it will interpolate for other screen sizes), fixed mis-spelling that was causing formulas to break.
  • Version 2.9: Added 2.40:1, 2.70:1 screen aspect ratios, added ‘hover’ comments to better explain the different seating distances; added conditional formatting on the screen brightness result cell (red if brightness is too low, yellow if it is close to being too low).
  • Version 2.8: Added charts for “seating distance vs. screen size based on screen resolution” and “seating distance vs. screen size based on published standards.”
  • Version 2.7: Edited notes fields to improve clarity for data entry fields.
  • Version 2.6: Added LCD/Plasma support. Added 16:10 aspect ratios for LCD monitors. Added hints to help enter panel resolutions (hint lists commons resolutions). Added pixel density calculation (useful when using as a PC monitor). Added dot pitch (in mm – millimeters). Added total pixel count. Fixed spelling errors.
  • Version 2.5: Updated screen brightness calculation to adapt to entering screen width vs. height vs. diagonal measurement. Thanks Brad for finding the problem.
  • Version 2.4 – 01-Nov-2004: First Public Release. Uses both metric and English units. Converts between many units. Gives hints for some common input values such as aspect ratio. Seating distance. Platform height. Viewing angle. Screen brightness. Many other features.

 

If the spreadsheet is too complicated for you…

If you don’t like working with spreadsheets, enter your screen size below to see how close you’ll need to sit to fully appreciate various screen resolutions.

Enter screen size: inches diagonal

  • For 480p (720×480) resolution, you must sit:
    feet or closer to see all available detail
  • For 720p (1280×720) resolution, you must sit:
    feet or closer to see all available detail
  • For 1080p (1920×1080) resolution, you must sit: (recommended minimum distance)
    feet or closer to see all available detail
  • For 4k (3840×2160) resolution, you must sit:
    feet or closer to see all available detail
  • For 8k (7680×4320) resolution, you must sit:
    feet or closer to see all available detail

Note about “or closer” viewing distances calculated above: if you sit closer than the distances shown above, you will be able to see some (but not all) of the detail offered by the next higher resolution.

543 Comments

  1. Hi, Please help!!!!I would like to hang a LCD above my fireplace. The viewing distance is 10 ft and the height of the fireplace is 35 inches. Will this work? What is the maximum TV size I can use? Thank you so much. I have been thinking about this so much – my head hurts!!!!

    1. I can’t help with your calculations, but you have to beware of heat above the fireplace. 35″ base doesn’t seem horrifically high off-hand, but it doesn’t seem like it would be optimal.


  3. Awesome tool, thank you so much! I do wish the Distance res chart and field-of-view seating chart were by default capable of showing up to 300″ diagonal screens, though. I know most folks aren’t concerned about this for home theatre, but your tool(s) are useful for schools and larger venues also.

  4. What Size HDTV is Right For My Room? | Design Inside

  5. HI,
    wondering if you could help, or let me know where to seek help on calculating at what height i need to put a projector, Mits HC3800, in order to have the bottom of the screen start off 4 ft above ground level. I was going to shelf mount, but think since there is a vertical offset (30 degrees??) that is locked, i won’t be able to do that.
    Essentially, wondering if there is some tool to tell me this: at 14 feet away from screen, what height will have to mount my projector to make it produce the bottom of the projected picture at approx 4 ft, as there is no lens shift possible with this projector.
    Hope that makes sense, any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks.

  6. Thanks for finding this. I coulnd’t find it on line, only some general specs from the site. This definitely helps. Now i’m going to have to go back and brush up on my geometry. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to push me in the right direction. Hopefully this unit will be able to work in the space i have.
    thanks again,

  7. Hi Carlton, I’m learning about your tool, it looks great !!! Just want to double check if I’m reading the numbers correctly. I have a dedicated HT room 16′(d) x 12′(w) where first row is at 9′ and second row is at 11′. I have a Panny 4000 with 1600 ansi lumens and I’m considering a 1.1 gain screen. Your tool tells me that Ideal viewing distance should be 13.4 feet with a 103 diagonal screen, should I go smaller 100 or 92? What do you recomend me?

    1. Author

      Roberto: No, don’t go smaller with the screen! You probably will not be able to detect any hint of resolution deficiencies. The experience you get from having a wide field-of-view is, by far, the most important aspect of the home theater experience. Project dimness is the only reason to go with a smaller screen.

  8. Roberto, is this the Panny PT-AE4000U? i have the same projector and my first row is at 10ft and i have a 108″ widescreen, i dont think you should have any problems with a 100″ or even 110″.

    1. Thanks a lot Carlton & Ronaldo, in fact yes, it’s the same projector. I’ll stick to 100″ or 103″ depending on the brand. I’m looking at Vutec, Draper & Da-Lite, any comments on these?

  9. well its always better to buy an expensive screen with proper borders. However i found a cheap one on the net just to try it out. I bought a $400 – 108″ 16:9 eletric screen matte white and it works perfectly fine for me. i absolutely love this projector ay.

    1. Thanks for sharing, I appreciate your prompt responses. Thanks

  10. Hi there,

    I was wondering what the “ideal” field of view is?
    I see minimum of 36 degrees for THX spec, but that’s for the last row. What would the “ideal” seat in the theater FOV be?

    Also, does this ideal FOV tend to conflict with a 1080p resolution (being too close and seeing pixels)? Also, what about 720p 60fps or 1080i?

    Thanks,
    John

    1. Author

      John, it’s a trade-off between resolution and field-of-view. You can’t have more of one without needing more of the other. The higher the resolution, the more detail you can observe from being close. The spreadsheet goes through this pretty well if you play around with the numbers.

  11. Thanks for the reply! Thank you very much for the tool, I really like it.

    I also see the Field-Of-View # and have been playing with them, but they don’t really specify what the ideal FOV is. Only what the minimums are for the back seat and what the max is before you can’t see the entire screen with prepherial vision, but anything close to that is likely very close to sitting in the front row of a theater, which is not fun.

    So I guess I’m trying to determine what the ideal FOV degree is? 36, 42, 46?
    Also I’m trying to determine if 46 degrees might be great for 1080p, but for 720p television broadcasts, it would be too close and start to look “bad”

    Thanks,
    John

  12. have purchased mitsubishi projector- wish to purchase 210 inch inceiling motorized projector screen- the room is large approx 25 feet by 20 feet with 8 foot celing. Can I use a screen that large and how far away does the projector need to be placed- and does in need to be mounted on ceiling?
    Thank you – hope the room is large enough-kids hoping to have the 210 screen

    1. Author

      Richard: You should start by reading the owners manual for your projector (if you don’t have a copy, it’s available on the Mitsubishi website.) Then enter the projector and screen details into my Excel spreadsheet to get your answer. I will give you one tip: projectors aren’t as bright as the ANSI lumens advertised by manufacturers and 210″ is an extremely large screen that would require a commercial-quality projector to adequately illuminate. Look for user reviews of the projector model number to get calibrated lumen results.


  14. Hi Carlton,
    The ceiling of my HT room has a slant at two sides of the room and ceiling is 12 feet high and the wall where the screen has to be mounted is only 8 feet tall. The dimensions of the room are 18′.4″ X 19′.11″. My question is due to the height of the ceiling and the height of the wall where the screen needs to be placed, is it better to have extensions to the ceiling mount or tilt the projector in the standard mount to project to the screen? Also what would be an ideal size of screen for this size of a room? I am planning to go with the Panasonic PT-AE4000.

    Thank you so much

    Manix

    Frisco TX

    1. Author

      Manix, you want your projector to be parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the wall the screen is on. So you need an extension. You do not want to tilt it downwards as optical keystone image distortion is a very bad thing. If you have a projector with a long enough throw, you could mount it on the back wall if that works better.

      Screen size depends on a lot of factors, such as projector brightness, light control, seating distance, etc. If this is a dedicated theater room, I think a 123″ screen would be a good place to start.

  15. Carlton,

    Thank you so much and really appreciate your response!!

    Manix

    Frisco TX

  16. Aren’t these calculations and limits for a single eye? For normal vision using both eyes, i believe the field of vision gets multiplied by a factor (of 3?)…and our vision can detect resolutions greater than for that for single eye vision.

    Thankful for any feedback you can give!

  17. I’m considering using a BenQ W6000 projector on a white board. Viewing distance 12′ – 35′ (conference room). Spec say 1080P (1929 X 1080), then next line says, 12080P. Lumens + 2500. Light near wall is controllable. Screen size is either 84″ W or 98″ W.

    On the calculator I didn’t see any distances approaching 35″ to viewer.

    Application is PPT presentations, not HD video.

    Thanks

    1. Author

      The resolution requirements for PowerPoint presentations is much lower than for 1080p video, and even for 480p video — as long as the slides don’t use 6 point font. So use 480p as the visual acuity reference and extend viewing distances from that as necessary.

  18. Hi Carlton
    I dont have any much informaiton on the home theatre. I am planning to have a home theatre in the living room of my house. My room size is 11 (w) x 14 (L) feet. I am planning to buy a Optoma HD 20 Projector which is 1080dp HD. What is the ideal screen that i should put for such a house and what should be the distance of the projector from the screen. Please advise. regards Tarilos

  19. Carlton, appreciate your advice. I have a 15′(w) x 35′(d) room. Is this ideal for a home theater? Is 35′ width too much? Thanks in advance for your advice.

  20. Sorry Carlton, its 15’wide x 35 depth. I wanted to know whether it would be too far away from screen if i put my last row 32′(eye level) depth away from a 106′ screen? Apologize again for my wrong info.

    1. Author

      That’s pretty far, but still watchable for casual enjoyment. You wouldn’t be able to see the full benefit of 1080p HD at that distance, but if it’s a third row that is only occasionally used, that may not be a problem. But I’d put the first and second rows much closer.

  21. Carlton,

    Your knowledge is wonderful. I have read every comment and reply! I am preparing my 22′ x 12′ bonus room to transform into my family’s home theater room. The ceiling height is 13 feet flat. I will be placing two rows of seating in which the back row will be right against the back wall. The viewers eyes should be approximately 19′ feet front the screen. The next row will allow the viewers eyes to be approximately 14′ from the screen.

    I have two basic questions and then would appreciate any additional input that you may have.

    What would you recommend as the ideal screen size?

    If the bottom of the screen is placed at approximately four feet off the floor to allow viewers in the rear row to see then how many feet of the ceiling should the projector hang?

    Thanks!!

    1. Author

      Hi Vaks. My recommendation depends on the room, lighting, and projector. Assuming the room is dark and the projector is bright, you need at least a 123″ diagonal screen. It’s hard to go too big; room width and projector brightness will be the limiting factors.

      For the screen height, you’d be better off making the screen lower and the rear row higher. The first row will be the main seating area and you don’t want to be looking up. It’s better to be in the back row looking slightly down than the front row looking up. Good luck!

      1. Carlton,
        From what i read your the guy to ask. Im undecided on two areas of the home theatre project. 1. enclosed or open. 2.size and distance of screen. I have a room i can dedicate to a HT rough dimensions of 12’8″ wide
        x 17′ with 7′ high finished cieling. I want to accomodate four or five viewers comfortably. i would like to use a 120″ screen with a 16:9 ratio most likely an epson 8350 projector.
        Any thoughtss would be . Thank you

  22. HDTV Suggestions

  23. Hi Carlton, Im now studying interior design in university and I find out that your calculator is awesome! it helped me so much for my first home theatre design. thank you very much!! =D

  24. My room is about 15.8 feet x 11.5 feet media room. I am planning for a 103 diagonal Projector based screen but the media room is not square/rectangle as it does have a wierd shape for one of the wall and the wall is actually diagonal.

    But my view to the screen from the sitting area which I suppose would be at 15 would be straight without obstructions.

    So can you experts please tell me how to setup speakers to get optimal sound 7.1 experience and also if my viewing distance/overall media room size seem to be adequate.

    Appreciate your help. I am a bit concerned as media room is one big need for me and this is a new home I am considering buying…

    Thanks,

  25. I meant one of the screen size does not make right angle to other wall and it is actually quite off to 90 degree usuall angle. And to clarify diagonal screen size I am planning is 103 inches… (scree width: 90 inches).. please help me if I will be okay with the media room?

  26. HI

    how to find the exact size of a display or screen for any room..
    is there any formula to calculate ?

  27. Hi Carlton, Thanks for this important collaboration, your spreadsheet has many details that solve many of the questions we get everyday. I have only one suggestion, add the maximum and minimum distances based in lenses throw ratio. Sometimes this is the only information I have. Regards

  28. Hi, Carlton,
    I just finish a dedicated home theater room,
    The room is 10′ x 10′, and i build a 85″ screen, i currently have a EIKI LC-SB20 projector i know is not a home theater projector but is doing what i need so far, i have install in wall spaeker’s and subwoofer, with a yamaha receiver.
    I painted the wall’s with a martha stewart dark chocalate color very dark @ night, what i need your recomendation for a good projector, pury much i can tell you im confuse on that area, i have been reading on the new Epson 8350 for a wile as a very good entry level projector, but a sales person @ a home theater store told that i will be wasting my money, meaning to much projector for the size room and screen i currently have, please let me know your opinion on this, i really want to stay under 1K for the projector.

    Thanks
    L.C.

    1. Author

      Too much projector for the room? I don’t think a projector can ever have too much brightness, resolution, or contrast, so I think that is an uninformed opinion. The new Epson 8350 is awesome and would be great in your room. If you want to same some money, go for last years model, the Epson 8100.

  29. Carlton,
    Thanks for your promp respond, i like the idea of getting the old model i think it will be a huge upgrade from what i got now, do you know were could i get the best deal for this projector.

    L.C.

  30. Carlton,

    What a great spreadsheet! It has saved me a lot of time and helped me insure that was properly positioning my seating.

    Regards,
    Ron

  31. my room size 14 X17 . Planning to buy Mitsubishi HC6800 or
    PT- AE4000U Panasonic. Is it right to buy these or not .
    If at all, what screen size is better (110 or more)?

  32. Hey Carlton,
    I need some advice. We just moved into a new house with an existing media room, but the sellers took all of their equipment. There is a cutout in the wall for a 100 diagonal screen (which Ive purchased). The old mount for the previous projector is about 15-16ft from the front of the screen. Will the Epson 8350 work for me from this distance? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide

    Jason

    1. Author

      Not sure; you should look at the owners manual for the projector and it will tell you. If you don’t have a copy, a Google search will quickly point you to a PDF.

  33. Carlton, quick question. How critical is it to have 2+ feet spacing on all sides of the screen? I have a small closet that I will have to build that will come out about 3 feet from the wall that the screen is attached to. This closet will be right next to the screen. To make it seem more asthetically pleasing I was going to build a cabinet on the other side of the screen that also comes out from the main wall to house all of my components. But this will then make two objects coming out from the main wall next to the screen. Will this look odd or obstruct my viewing???

    1. Author

      You’ll have to decide if it looks OK, each person has their own preference. As far as blocking the viewing, if seats are not directly in front of the screen, the edges will likely be blocked. Do a mock-up in your room to figure out if your seating and view are acceptable.

  34. Carlton, I am in the process of framing a complete basement including a home theater. My theater room is 16′ wide by 20′ deep. I have two rows of seating, with the second row on an 8″ riser. What screen size would your recommend? I will be able to control lighting and am willing to spend 4-6k on a projector. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.

  35. Hi Carlton,

    Great site and lots of information. thank you. I would like to take your expert advice on a home theater projector purchasing plan. I have a room 17x17ft with 9ft height. Would Epson 8350 be a good choice for HD clarity?

    thanks..
    suds

  36. Hi Carlton:
    thanks for the calculator…great tool!…I hope I’m using it correctly, but I’m planning on installing a Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema 9700UB on a 104″ diag. 2.35 screen [1.0 gain] with the motorized anamorphic lens. The projector has a lumen output of 1600 ansi. I’m trying to calculate the best distance to put the projector to maximize light output onto the screen as well.

    I plugged in number to your calculator but when I plugged in an ideal foot-lambert rate of 16, it said the projector would only need about 433 lumens. I was a little confused since when i used the projectioncentral calculator, it guestimated that I wouldn’t be able to throw even 14 foot-lamberts on the screen.

    Did I do something wrong in your calculator? Thanks in advance.

    Insurroundsound

  37. Carlton:

    Great Stuff

    I’ve got a 13×18 room with a 7′ ceiling. Getting a 92 (80×45) screen (88×53 exterior). I was wondering what height to mount it. I read somewhere that viewing height (~42) should be about 1/3 up from the bottom of the screen, which would make the bottom of the screen ~24. That would put the top (including the frame) 7-8 from the ceiling, which I’m concerned may look funny.

    Any thoughts? Shouild I go with that or drop the screen a few inches ?

  38. Andy,
    I literally just finished my theatre room and the dimensions are almost exactly the same as yours. Here are my suggestions….
    First the mount I got for the projector comes down about 5 inches from the ceiling. As far as the screen, I have it 7 inches from the ceiling to the top of the screen. I put the projector 15 inches, 5 feet back from the screen. My suggestions would be to get a bigger screen, go with the 119″ screen. that is what I have. I thought at first it woudl be too big, but it is perfect. Your eyes adjust quickly to the size and if I woudl have gone any smaller I would be upset with myself. Having a little more room below the screen for me worked out perfect because I wired in my speakers and have my center speaker below the screen on a small shelf.
    My 2 cents…..

    1. Thanks Brannen

      One concern I had in sizing the screen was that I have floor standing L and R speakers (Thiel 3.7’s). I only have one row — a Salamander four seater, so the end seats are close to the wall. I want to make sure the speaker doesn’t get in the way of viewing from the two end seats.

      I’ve got a lot more $ in the Audio than in the Video. I want the Thiels away from the side walls. I estimate there will only be 86″ between the speakers. I can push them a little closer to the side walls, but that will compromise audio performance a little

      I figured I’d have to put the viewing distance at about 9′. I suspect your viewing distance is further back

  39. Sorry I meant the projector is placed 15 feet, 5 inches away from the screen.

  40. I have a question for you about screen size. I am building a theater room that is 13.5’w x 22’d. It will have 2 rows, where the back row is about 17′ back, and the front row is about 11′ back. I am planning on buying the JVC DLA-X3 projector to use. I am a do it yourselfer, but I have reached out for advice from a local home theater company. The room is completly light controlled where it could be pitch black if I wanted it. I plan on putting in a 133″ screen, but the advice I was given by the local company was that, that screen size is to large for my room, and I wouldn’t like it if I went with that size, because it would be to big. I still plan on putting in a 133″ screen, but am curious about your opinion on that.

    1. Author

      Jason,

      I think you’ll be fine from a resolution standpoint and won’t be able to pick out the individual pixels. The only caution would be for screen brightness. The JVCs are pretty bright, but even so, you’ll want the light off all the time, and projector brightness drops as the bulb ages. So get a somewhat higher gain screen and always turn the lights off, and you should be fine.

      BTW, I’m 11 feet away from my 123″ Stewart Firehawk screen with my JVC projector.

      1. Thanks for the great calculator. I am planning a 20′ X 25′ room with the Stewart 123″ (16:9) Firehawk G3 coupled with the JVC DLA RS40U. Front row will be between 13-14′. Ambient light can be fairly well controlled-although would not want to watch sporting events in a completely dark room. My question is positioning of screen off the floor. Would 36″ be a good bottom of screen height. Eye level is about 42″- I have heard something about the 1/3 rule. The ceiling height in room is 120″ but a soffitt around the room brings it down to 111″. Planning traditional seating, not tiered rows. First row (main couch) 13-14′. What do you think??

      2. Author

        Chet, if you aren’t elevating your back row, you’ll need to raise your screen. I think you’ll be looking up at too much of an angle in the front row. I’d personally go for a lower screen height and a higher back row. Generally speaking, your front row will be occupied 100% of the time you’re watching a movie and the rear maybe 10%, so front row comfort should be first priority. Good luck and enjoy!

      3. I guess what I need to clarify is that there is only the main couch. There is no 2nd row-so 36 ” off the floor at 13-14 feet from screen (screen is 114 X 66)would be too much of an angle??

        1. Author

          Yes, I’d shoot for middle of screen at eye level and move the screen up from there. The bottom of my 123″ screen is about 14″ above the floor.

      4. Carlton:
        I’m building a new home theater in my basement.
        The size will be 14×18. I’m planning on Panasonic PT AE 7000U. What size screen and where should my first row of seats be located?
        I will have a raised platform for two rows of seats. Thank you in advance for your answer and for a fantastic website!

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