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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| TV size (diagonal) | In in |
| Guideline | Choose 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) |
|---|---|
| 32.5 | 1.34 |
| 48.75 | 2.01 |
| 65 | 2.69 |
| 81.25 | 3.36 |
| 97.5 | 4.03 |
| 130 | 5.37 |
Formula
Distance = screen width ÷ (2 × tan(angle ÷ 2))Worked example
Inputs — TV size (diagonal): 65 in; Guideline: SMPTE mixed use (30°).
Results — Screen width = 56.7 in; Recommended distance = 2.69 m.
Frequently asked questions
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)).