TV Size & Viewing Distance Calculator
Find the best TV size for your seating distance — or the ideal distance for your TV — using the SMPTE (30°) and THX (40°) viewing angle guidelines.
How to use
- 1Enter your seating distance from the screen (or your TV size).
- 2See the recommended range for mixed use and a cinema-style setup.
How it's calculated
A 16:9 screen's width = diagonal × 0.8716. Viewing angle θ: distance = width ÷ (2 × tan(θ ÷ 2)). SMPTE recommends at least 30°; THX recommends about 40° for a cinema feel.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sit too close to a 4K TV?
With 4K you can sit closer than with 1080p before seeing pixels — about 1–1.5× the screen diagonal works well.
Is bigger always better?
Up to the point where you have to move your eyes or head to take in the picture. The THX angle is a good upper limit for most people.
How high should the TV be mounted?
Ideally with the centre of the screen near seated eye level (about 40–45 in from the floor).