Projector Throw Calculator

Calculate throw distance, screen size, and projector placement

Calculated Screen Size

80"
diagonal
Width: 69.7"
Height: 39.2"

Throw Ratio Guide

0.3-0.5
Ultra Short Throw
Place inches from wall
0.5-1.0
Short Throw
Small rooms, close walls
1.0-2.0
Standard Throw
Most common projectors
2.0+
Long Throw
Large venues, auditoriums

Setup Visualization

Throw Distance

Throw Ratio = Distance / Screen Width. Lower ratios mean shorter distances for the same screen size.

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Understanding Projector Throw Distance and Throw Ratio

Throw distance is the distance between your projector and the screen. The throw ratio describes the relationship between this distance and the resulting image width. Our projector throw calculator helps you determine the correct placement distance for your desired screen size, or find what screen size you'll get from a specific projector position.

Understanding throw specifications is essential when planning a projector installation. Incorrect throw distance results in images that are too large, too small, or out of focus regardless of adjustment.

Projector Types: Short Throw vs Long Throw

Ultra Short Throw (UST)

Ultra short throw projectors (ratio below 0.4) sit just inches from the screen, projecting upward. They're ideal for living rooms where ceiling mounting isn't possible and eliminate shadows from people walking in front of the projector.

Short Throw

Short throw projectors (ratio 0.4-1.0) need only 4-8 feet for a 100-inch image. They're popular for classrooms and small meeting rooms where space is limited and viewer shadows could be problematic.

Standard Throw

Standard throw projectors (ratio 1.0-2.0) require 10-15 feet for a 100-inch image. These are most common for home theaters where ceiling mounting at the back of the room is typical.

Long Throw

Long throw projectors (ratio above 2.0) are designed for large venues like auditoriums and lecture halls where the projector must be positioned far from the screen.

Projector Installation Considerations

Lens shift allows vertical and horizontal image adjustment without moving the projector, providing flexibility in mounting position. Projectors with generous lens shift are easier to install in non-ideal locations.

Consider zoom range when planning installations. A projector with 1.3x zoom can achieve the same image size from different distances, providing placement flexibility. Calculate both minimum and maximum throw distances for your target screen size.