Question 1

What is projector throw ratio?

Accepted Answer

Throw ratio is the relationship between the projector distance from the screen and the screen width. A throw ratio of 1.5 means the projector needs to be 1.5 times the screen width away from the screen. Lower ratios (below 0.5) indicate short-throw projectors, while higher ratios (above 2.0) indicate long-throw projectors.

Question 2

How do I calculate projector distance from screen?

Accepted Answer

Use our calculator by entering your desired screen size and selecting your projector. The formula is: Distance = Throw Ratio x Screen Width. For example, with a throw ratio of 1.5 and a 100" diagonal screen (87" wide), the distance would be 1.5 x 87" = 130.5" (about 10.9 feet).

Question 3

What is the optimal viewing distance?

Accepted Answer

THX recommends a viewing distance where the screen fills 40 degrees of your field of view, typically 1.2x the screen diagonal. SMPTE recommends 30 degrees, or about 1.6x the diagonal. ProjectorPlanner helps you find the sweet spot for your room.

Question 4

Short-throw vs long-throw projector: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Short-throw projectors (0.4-1.0 throw ratio) are ideal for small rooms or wall-mounted setups. Long-throw projectors (1.5-2.5+ throw ratio) are better for larger spaces with rear mounting. Ultra-short-throw models (below 0.4) can be placed just inches from the wall.

Question 5

How many lumens do I need for my projector?

Accepted Answer

For a dedicated dark room, 1500-2000 lumens is sufficient. Living rooms with some ambient light need 2500-3000 lumens. Rooms with lots of natural light require 3500+ lumens. Our projector database includes brightness specifications to help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Technical Concepts

Screen & Viewing

Projector Types

Room Setup

Using the Calculator

Projector Comparison

Buying & Pricing

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Technical Concepts

Screen & Viewing

Projector Types

Room Setup

Using the Calculator

Projector Comparison

Buying & Pricing

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is this website?

How do I use the room designer?

Is this tool free to use?

How accurate is the calculator?

Technical Concepts

What is throw distance?

What is throw ratio?

What is lens shift?

What are lumens and how much brightness do I need?

What is contrast ratio?

What is input lag and why does it matter for gaming?

Screen & Viewing

How do I calculate the right screen size?

What's the difference between 16:9 and 21:9?

What is the THX viewing angle recommendation?

Do I need a special screen or can I use a wall?

How far should my couch be from the screen?

What is screen gain?

Projector Types

What is a short-throw projector?

What is an ultra-short-throw (UST) projector?

What's the difference between lamp and laser projectors?

Can I use a projector in a small room?

Do I need a 4K projector or is 1080p enough?

Room Setup

Where should I place my projector?

Can I ceiling mount a projector?

How does room lighting affect the image?

What if my room is not rectangular?

Do I need a separate sound system?

Using the Calculator

What are room presets?

What are the colored zones in the room designer?

How do I move items in the room designer?

Can I switch between feet and meters?

Can I save or share my room design?

Projector Comparison

How do I compare projectors?

What specifications are most important?

What projector is best for gaming?

What projector is best for movies?

What projector is best for small rooms?

How many projectors are in your database?

Buying & Pricing

Where can I buy these projectors?

Do you sell projectors directly?

Why do prices vary by country?

What is your affiliate relationship?

What should I budget for a projector?

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is this website?

How do I use the room designer?

Is this tool free to use?

How accurate is the calculator?

Technical Concepts

What is throw distance?

What is throw ratio?

What is lens shift?

What are lumens and how much brightness do I need?

What is contrast ratio?

What is input lag and why does it matter for gaming?

Screen & Viewing

How do I calculate the right screen size?

What's the difference between 16:9 and 21:9?

What is the THX viewing angle recommendation?

Do I need a special screen or can I use a wall?

How far should my couch be from the screen?

What is screen gain?

Projector Types

What is a short-throw projector?

What is an ultra-short-throw (UST) projector?

What's the difference between lamp and laser projectors?

Can I use a projector in a small room?

Do I need a 4K projector or is 1080p enough?

Room Setup

Where should I place my projector?