TV Size & Distance Calculator

Please fill in the required fields with values greater than 0.
–recommended screen size (in)
–nearest standard size (in)
–screen width (in)
–screen height (in)

Guide only. Seat position, room light and personal taste matter. Standard sizes: 32, 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85 and 98 inches.

How to use this calculator

Enter how far you sit from the TV and choose the resolution and the viewing style. Press Calculate to see the screen size that suits your room and the width and height of the nearest standard TV.

The formula

Screen size (diagonal) = viewing distance (in) ÷ distance factor
Width = diagonal × 0.8716 and height = diagonal × 0.4903 for a 16:9 screen

Example: At a viewing distance of 9 ft (108 in) with a 4K TV and a 1.5x factor, the best size is 72 inches. The nearest standard size is 75 inches, which is 65.4 in wide and 36.8 in tall.

How to choose the right TV size for your room

The calculator divides your viewing distance in inches by a factor based on resolution and how immersive you want the picture. The result is the recommended diagonal screen size. It then shows the nearest standard size and the screen’s width and height, so you can check that it fits your wall or stand.

A worked example

If your couch is 9 feet, or 108 inches, from the screen, a 4K TV at the comfortable 1.5x factor suggests 72 inches. The nearest standard size is 75 inches. That screen is about 65.4 inches wide and 36.8 inches tall, before the frame. Using the immersive 1.2x factor at the same distance suggests 90 inches. A 1080p set at 2x suggests 54 inches, close to a standard 55 inch model.

What changes the best size

  • Viewing distance. Measure from your eyes in your usual seat to the screen, not from the wall.
  • Resolution. Sharper 4K pictures let you sit closer or go bigger without seeing pixels.
  • Content. Movies, sports and games feel better on a larger screen. News and casual TV work fine on a smaller one.
  • Room layout. Windows, doors and furniture may limit how wide the TV can be.

Tips and common mistakes

  • Check the actual cabinet size. The frame and stand add width and height beyond the screen figures.
  • Make a cardboard template of the screen size and tape it to the wall. It helps you judge the size before buying.
  • Check your stand’s width and weight rating, or the mount’s rating, against the TV’s specs.
  • Look for good anti-glare performance if the room gets a lot of daylight.
  • Do not size only for the main seat if several people watch from wide angles.

Buying and planning

Prices usually rise steeply at the largest sizes, so compare the next size down if the budget is tight. Going one size above the comfortable suggestion is fine for many people who mostly watch movies. Think about where cables, power outlets and streaming devices will sit. For wall mounting, use a mount rated for the TV’s weight and VESA pattern, and anchor it into studs. If you plan to run power behind the wall, use an in-wall rated kit or hire a licensed electrician.

Frequently asked questions

What size TV is best for my room?
Divide your viewing distance in inches by 1.5 for a 4K TV. For example, at 9 feet a 72 inch TV works well.
How far should I sit from a 65 inch TV?
About 8 feet for 4K, since 65 inches × 1.5 is about 98 inches.
Can I sit closer to a 4K TV?
Yes. 4K has a lot of detail, so you can sit closer than with 1080p without seeing pixels.
What does 16:9 mean?
It is the screen shape of almost all modern TVs: 16 units wide for every 9 units tall.
What else should I check before buying a TV?
The width of your TV stand or wall space, the room light, the viewing angle and the TV mount.
Is a 55 inch or 65 inch TV better for a bedroom?
It depends on the distance from the bed. At about 7 feet, or 84 inches, the 4K comfortable factor of 1.5x suggests about a 56 inch screen, so 55 inches fits well. At 8 feet or more, a 65 inch screen works. Also check wall space, since a 65 inch screen is about 56.7 inches wide.
How high should a TV be mounted on the wall?
A common rule is to place the center of the screen near seated eye level, often about 40 to 45 inches from the floor in a living room. Higher mounting, such as over a fireplace, can work if the mount tilts down. Sit in your usual seat and check the viewing angle before drilling any holes.
What is the best TV size for a 10 foot viewing distance?
Ten feet is 120 inches. For 4K at the comfortable 1.5x factor, the suggestion is 80 inches, so a 75 or 85 inch TV fits. For a more immersive feel at 1.2x, it is 100 inches. For a 1080p TV at 2x, it is about 60 inches, so 55 or 65 inches works.