TV Viewing Distance Calculator
Find the ideal seating distance for a TV size, based on SMPTE and THX viewing-angle guidance.
About the TV Viewing Distance Calculator
Enter the screen size (diagonal). The calculator gives the recommended seating range from the THX and SMPTE guidelines and how close you must sit to see full 4K detail.
Cinema standards set how wide the screen should appear: SMPTE recommends at least a 30° field of view and THX about 40° for an immersive picture. For a 16:9 screen, distance = width ÷ (2 tan(angle ÷ 2)). With 20/20 vision you can resolve about one arc-minute, which sets how close you must sit to see the benefit of 4K.
The formula
Distance = screen width ÷ (2 × tan(θ ÷ 2))
Worked example
A 65-inch TV
- THX (40° field of view): 6.5 ft
- SMPTE (30°): 8.8 ft
- Within about 4.2 ft to resolve full 4K detail
Questions people ask
Is sitting closer bad for your eyes?
No, though very close viewing can be tiring.
What size TV for 3 m (10 ft)?
About 75–100 inches by these standards; many people choose smaller.