How Far to Sit from Projector Screen? (Seating Distance from Projector Screen)

Do you know there is a Standard Distance on How Far to Sit from Projector Screen? In this article, we will explain to you How much the Seating Distance from Projector Screen is safe, and why you need to follow the Standards.

Also, check out How Far Does Projector Need To Be From Screen.

How Far to Sit from Projector Screen:

The Viewing Distance or Seating Distance from Projector Screen is related to the Screen Size. So, in this article, we will talk a lot about Screen Sizes.

How is Screen Size measured:

Do you know how screen size is measured? Whether it is a TV or Projector Screen, the Screen Size is measured Dialognally. 

So, if there is a 55″ Screen. The number 55 does not indicate the height or breadth of the screen. But it is measured by the distance from one corner to its opposite diagonal corner. 

Why do you need to maintain Projector Seating Distance:

I will start with an example. 

When we go to a live magic show, dance show, circus, or any event, the front row seats are very expensive. But, did you notice, nobody is interested in sitting in the front rows of a Theatre? Therefore, movie theatre management puts less price on the front seat and more price on the seats placed at the back. 

Why is it?

It is also not like TV. Doctors advise people to sit far from TV because the backlit can cause Eye Strain and even damage the eyes. But, Projectors does not Emit light, it reflects the light falling from the Projector.

Then, why do you need to sit at a distance from the Projector Screen?

Well, Projectors do not emit any harmful rays but sitting close to the Projector can hurt the neck and even the eyes.

It is because, when you sit near the Theatre Screen, you have to move your neck and eyes a lot to watch content on the big screen. 

Hence, SMPTE and THX set standards on How Far to Sit from Projector Screen to get the best experience. 

SMPTE & THX Standards for Seating Distance:

SMPTE is the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers. THX is another standard, which is popular in the Home Cinema Industry. 

SMPTE suggests the viewers sit at an angle of 30 degrees. While THX recommends a 36-degree viewing angle.

Now, I know, that measuring the angle is quite difficult. So, you can also follow the Standard Distance recommended by SMPTE and THX. 

Note that, the distance shall be measured from the position of your head to the projector screen.

The SMPTE Standards say that the seating distance shall be 3 times the height of the Screen. It means, if the height of the screen is 60 inches (5 feet), you shall sit at a distance of 15 feet (5 x 3).

Suppose the screen size is 92″. According to SMPT you shall sit at a distance of 12’6″ (12 feet away) and THX suggests you sit at 10’3″ (10 feet away).

For a 106 inches screen, SMPTE suggests a seating distance of 11’9, and SMPTE suggests a distance of 14’4″.

Here is a Projector Seating Distance Chart that will help you decide How Far to Sit from Projector Screen.

Our Standards:

Using our experience, we have come up with our Standards. Calculating the distance can be exhausting and annoying. So, we have come up with a simple process. Looking at the Screen Size, you can make rough calculations to measure the seating distance. 

Example:

Suppose your screen size is 92″. Convert it into feet = 7.6 Feet. (Nearly 8 Feet). Consider this the minimum distance. The maximum distance will be 7.6 Feet x 2 = 15 Feet (approx). So, take the average value as the ideal Seating Distance from Projector Screen, which is 11′ 6″.

So, for a 92 inches screen, the Projector Seating Distance should be between 12 Feet (Approx).

Let’s take another example:

Take 120-inch screen, and convert it into feet. We get 10 Feet. Add a couple of feet to it (12 Feet). Now, if you multiply it by 2, we get 20 Feet. So, you have to sit between 12 feet and 20 feet. The ideal value will be the center number, which is 16 Feet.

Disclaimer: Note that it is not an official standard. We are only trying to provide an easy method to Calculate the Seating Distance from Projector Screen to help our readers. All the values you get are approximate and may vary from the SMPTE and THX Standards.

Other Things you Need to Consider:

Screen Type:

The Screen Type does not affect the distance, but it affects the sitting angle. ALR Screens provide better colors and contrast but reflects dull image at the angled view. So, with ALR Screens, you should sit straight to the screen.

You can also check out this article on How to Choose a Projector Screen.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Conclusion:

Having a Large wall doesn’t mean you have to fill it up with Projector Screen. You have to consider the length of the room and calculate the distance between you and the screen to specify the screen size. However, it is not a Golden Rule to sit according to the Standards. You can sit too close or too far from the screen if you are comfortable with it. So, based on your comfort level, you can decide How Far to Sit from Projector Screen.