How Far Does Projector Need To Be From Screen (Projector Throw Distance Calculator)

Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Admin

Unlike the TV, a Projector needs to be placed at a particular distance from the Screen. But, How Far Does Projector Need To Be From Screen is what goes in the mind of every new user. Well, it depends on three things. The type of Projector, the Screen Size, and the Room length.

Let me explain in detail so that I can make you understand How Far Should Projector Be From Screen to get the perfect image.

How Far Does Projector Need To Be From Screen:

A Projector throws or projects an image on the wall or screen. So, the farther the Projector is, the bigger the image will be. In other words, the bigger your screen size is, the farther the Projector needs to be placed. But, for that, you should also have a bigger room.

So, before getting a Projector or Projector Screen, you need to consider all those things and use the Projector Throw Distance Calculator.

What is Projector Throw?

The Image that a Projector Projects is called Throw or Projector Throw. Projectors can also be classified based on the Throw Distance.

Which Projector to use:

We have written a detailed article on the Types of Projectors. But, here we will only talk about the Long Throw, Short Throw, and Ultra Short Throw Projectors.

A Long Throw Projector needs to be placed very far from the screen. For Example, if your Screen is 13 Feet, the distance between the Screen and the Long Throw Projector should be 15 Feet. So, you will need a long room to place a large screen.

A Projector that has a short throw distance is called a Short Throw Projector. For the same size screen (13 Feet), a Short Throw Projector can be placed at a distance of 8 Feet. So, you don’t need a large room for a large screen.

There are new types of Projectors called Ultra Short Throw Projectors. For a 13 Feet Screen, you should place the Projector just 1.5 Feet away from the Screen. Ultra Throw Projectors are not used for Big Screens, but they are very much preferred in smaller rooms and rooms with Ambient Light.

For more details, check out a detailed article on the Difference between Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projectors.

These are just rough numbers I took as examples. I will show you two methods on how you can calculate the Projector Throw Distance. With that, you will be able to find out the exact distance on How Far Does Projector Need To Be From Screen.

Projector Throw Distance Calculator:

Method 1: Using the Throw Ratio

You can use the Throw Ratio of a Projector to calculate the Distance between the Projector and the Screen. The Throw Ratio of a Projector is usually mentioned in the specifications.

You can follow up with this article on What is Throw Ratio, to learn How to Calculate the Distance between Projector and Screen.

Method 2: Using Online Tools:

You can use some online tools that will calculate the distance based on the Projector Model and Screen Size.

Here is a visual Throw Calculator Tool by Projector Central, that will help you find How Far Away Does a Projector Need To Be from the Screen or Wall.

• First, use the search bar or drop-down menus to select the Projector you have or planning to buy. Or, you can select a Projector according to the Throw Distance and Screen Size.
• Now, choose the Aspect Ratio from 4: 3 or 16:9. You can even enter a custom Aspect Ratio if you want a Cinematic Ratio of 2.35:1.
• Use the slider to select the Screen Size. 
• On the other side, the tool will show you How Far Does Projector Need To Be From Screen.
• Whether it is ceiling mounted Projector or not, doesn’t make any difference.

Throw Distance is one of the important Things you need to consider before Buying a Projector.

Projector Throw Distance Example:

Suppose you have a 10 Feet Screen. You can follow the link above to our Projector Buying Guide, and choose a couple of Projectors you like. And, among them, you need to decide whether you want Long Throw, Short Throw, or Ultra Short Throw Projector based on your Room Size and Environment.

• BenQ TK850 is a Long Throw Projector. For a 10 Feet Screen, you need to place this Projector at a distance of 11 Feet (approx).

• On the other hand, BenQ HT2150ST is a Short Throw Projector that needs to be kept at a distance of 7 Feet.

• The BenQ V7050i is an Ultra Short Throw Projector, which can be placed at 1 Foot for a 10 Feet Screen Size.

You should choose the Projector Type based on the size of your room. If your room length is just 8 Feet, you should either settle with a smaller screen or get a Short Throw Projector. And, if you think the Short Throw Projector is going to be an obstacle in the middle of the room, then go for an Ultra Short Throw.

Moreover, if you are using a Rear-Throw Projector, then you might need even more places to use a Long Throw Projector. So, as I mention in every article, you should consider your surrounding and choose a Projector based on your needs, requirements, and budget.

Furthermore, you should also consider the seating distance. Here, we have an article on How Far to Sit from Projector Screen as per SMPTE and THX standards.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion:

Most Projector expertise might do guesswork and tell you the approximate distance to place your Projector. However, to find out exactly How Far Does Projector Need To Be From Screen, you should know the Throw Ratio of a Projector or use any online tool.