Decorating & interiors

TV Size & Distance Calculator

The cinema-derived rule: screen diagonal around distance / 1.6 for everyday viewing, / 1.2 if you want it cinematic.

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How it works

From the SMPTE ~30 degree field of view: divide the viewing distance by 1.6 (mixed TV) or 1.2 (cinematic) and convert to inches. 4K content tolerates sitting closer - you cannot see the pixels.

Frequently asked questions

What TV size for 3 metres away?

Everyday viewing: 3 m / 1.6 = 1.87 m diagonal - a 75". For a more cinematic feel at the same distance, an 85" or larger.

Can a TV be too big for a room?

Only if you sit closer than the content resolves - with 4K that is roughly 1.2x the diagonal. Most regrets run the other way: buying too small.