# TV Viewing Distance Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/everyday-life/tv-viewing-distance/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The TV viewing distance calculator recommends how far to sit from a TV based on its size and resolution, using the 30° (SMPTE) and 40° (THX) field-of-view guidelines.

## Inputs

- TV size (diagonal) (in)
- Guideline

## Results

- Screen width
- Recommended distance

## Formula

```
Distance = screen width ÷ (2 × tan(angle ÷ 2))
```

## Explanation

Sitting at the right distance makes the picture immersive without visible pixels or eye strain.

### How to use the TV Viewing Distance Calculator

- **TV size (diagonal)**
- **Guideline**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

The screen width is found from the diagonal, then the distance that fills the chosen viewing angle is calculated.

### Tips

- Use the figures printed on your product or its manual when you have them.
- Round quantities up so you are never short.
- Measure twice before you buy anything cut to size.
- Everything runs in your browser – try different values to compare options.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Mixing units (inches and centimetres, mAh and Ah).
- Ignoring efficiency losses and safety margins.
- Treating rules of thumb as exact.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterTV size (diagonal)In inGuidelineChoose one: SMPTE mixed use (30°), THX cinema (40°), Casual (25°)

### What each result means

- **Screen width** = [TV size (diagonal)]×16÷sqrt(337)
- **Recommended distance** = [Screen width]÷(2×tan(rad([Guideline]÷2)))×0.0254

### Example values

How the main result changes when **TV size** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

TV size (diagonal) (in)Recommended distance (m)32.51.3448.752.01652.6981.253.3697.54.031305.37

## Worked example

Inputs — TV size (diagonal): 65 in; Guideline: SMPTE mixed use (30°).

Results — Screen width = 56.7 in; **Recommended distance = 2.69 m**.

## FAQ

**Can I sit closer to a 4K TV?**
Yes, higher resolution lets you sit closer before pixels become visible.

**What if my room is small?**
Choose a smaller TV or the casual guideline.

**What formula does the TV Viewing Distance Calculator use?**
Distance = screen width ÷ (2 × tan(angle ÷ 2)).