Projector Calculator

What Is a Projector Throw Distance Calculator?

A projector throw ratio tells you how far the lens must sit from the screen for a given image width. Home theater projectors list a throw ratio (or min/max range) in their specs. This calculator converts screen diagonal, aspect ratio, and throw ratio into the lens-to-screen distance you need when mounting.

Throw Ratio Formula

$$D = TR \times W$$

$D$ is throw distance, $TR$ is throw ratio, and $W$ is screen width (not diagonal). For a 100" 16:9 screen, width is about 87.2". With throw ratio 1.5, distance is $1.5 \times 87.2" \approx 131"$ or about 3.32 m.

Choosing Screen Size and Placement

Match your screen diagonal and aspect ratio to your projector resolution (1080p is 16:9, many office projectors are 16:10). Then check that the computed throw distance fits your room depth including cable slack and ventilation clearance behind the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is throw ratio?

Throw ratio is throw distance divided by screen width. A 1.5:1 projector sits 1.5 feet from the screen for every 1 foot of image width.

Should I use screen diagonal or width?

Manufacturers specify throw ratio against image width. This tool converts your diagonal and aspect ratio to width automatically.

What aspect ratio should I pick?

Use 16:9 for most HDTV and Blu-ray content, 16:10 for many business projectors, and 4:3 for classic presentations.

What if my projector has a throw ratio range?

Enter the minimum ratio for the closest seating and the maximum for the farthest mount point. Zoom lenses span a range between those values.

Does this include viewing distance for the audience?

No. This tool covers lens placement only. Viewing distance depends on resolution and field of view, not throw ratio.

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What Is a Projector Throw Distance Calculator?

Throw Ratio Formula

Choosing Screen Size and Placement

Frequently Asked Questions

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