Projector Calculator
Calculate optimal viewing distance, throw distance, and screen brightness for perfect home theater setup
Home Theater Setup Calculator
Screen Properties
Projector Brightness
Check manufacturer specifications
Standard white screen = 1.0
Throw Ratio and Distance
From projector specifications
From projector specifications
Brightness Guidelines
Throw Ratio Guide
Popular Screen Sizes
Understanding Projector Setup
Viewing Distance Optimization
The optimal viewing distance balances two key factors: ensuring the entire screen fits comfortably in your field of view while sitting close enough to appreciate the full resolution detail of your content.
Key Distance Types
- •Minimum: Closest distance for comfortable viewing without neck strain
- •Optimal: Best distance to see all resolution details
- •Maximum: Furthest distance while maintaining immersion
Brightness and Ambient Light
Screen brightness is measured in foot-Lamberts (fL) and depends on projector lumens, screen size, and screen gain. Higher brightness allows viewing in brighter rooms.
Throw Ratio Explained
Throw Ratio = Throw Distance ÷ Screen Width
This ratio determines how far the projector needs to be from the screen to achieve your desired image size.
Pro Tip: Short throw projectors reduce shadows and allow placement closer to the screen
Screen Gain and Material
Standard White (1.0 gain)
Most common screen material. Provides uniform brightness and wide viewing angles.
High Gain (1.3-2.8)
Increases brightness but may reduce viewing angles. Good for rooms with ambient light.
ALR Screens (0.8-1.1)
Ambient Light Rejecting screens filter out overhead lighting while preserving image quality.