Space Planning
TV Viewing Distance Calculator
Enter your seating distance and the tool uses SMPTE and THX field-of-view standards to recommend the perfect 4K TV size - plus the exact wall-mount height so the screen sits at eye level.
Recommended screen
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Nearest common size for your distance and viewing style.
- Ideal size (exact)
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- Comfortable range
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- Field of view
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Wall-mount height
- Screen center from floor
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- Bottom edge from floor
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Enter your distance to begin.
The science of TV size: field of view
Screen size is really a question of field of view - how much of your vision the picture fills. Film industry bodies set two useful anchors. SMPTE (the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) recommends a 30° horizontal view for comfortable general watching. THX, the cinema certification standard, targets a wider ~40° view for an immersive, front-row feel. Everything between is a matter of taste.
Turning angle into inches
For a 16:9 screen, the diagonal that produces a given angle at your seat is a fixed ratio of the distance. A 30° view needs a diagonal of roughly your distance ÷ 1.6; a 40° view needs distance ÷ 1.2. We compute both, recommend the size for your chosen style, then snap it to the nearest size you can actually buy (43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 inches).
Getting the height right
The single most common mounting mistake is hanging the TV too high. Your eyes should meet the center of the screen, so we start from your seated eye height (about 42 inches on a typical sofa) and subtract half the screen's height to give the exact bottom-edge measurement for your chosen size.
Frequently asked questions
How far should I sit from a 65-inch TV?
For a balanced picture, sit about 6.5–8.8 feet (79–106 in) from a 65-inch 4K TV. Sit closer (nearer 6.5 ft) for a cinematic THX-style field of view, farther (nearer 8.8 ft) for the more relaxed SMPTE angle.
What is the difference between the THX and SMPTE distances?
THX targets a wide ~40° field of view for an immersive, cinema-like image, which means a bigger screen or a closer seat. SMPTE targets a ~30° field of view that is comfortable for mixed viewing. This tool shows both ends so you can pick your preference.
How high should a TV be mounted?
Put the center of the screen at seated eye level - about 42 inches from the floor in a living room. Because taller TVs push their center up, the tool calculates the exact bottom-edge height for your chosen size.
Does a 4K TV change the ideal distance?
Yes. Because 4K resolution hides pixels, you can sit closer without seeing them, so 4K viewing distances are shorter than the old 1080p guidance. These results assume a 4K panel.
Are my measurements saved?
No. The math runs entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded.