How this calculator works
A TV looks the right size when its width fills a comfortable part of your view. Cinema and home theater standards put that at about 30 degrees for everyday viewing, 36 degrees for a cinema-like picture, and 40 degrees as the maximum. From the viewing distance and the angle you can work out the width of the screen, and a 16:9 screen is 0.8716 times its diagonal wide.
Worked example: from 9 ft (108 in) the 36° width is 2 × 108 × tan 18° = 70.2 in, so the diagonal is 80.5 in. The nearest standard size is 83 inches (77 and 85 are close). For a comfortable 30° view the diagonal is 66 inches, and the most you would want (40°) is 90 inches.
TV size by viewing distance
Diagonal in inches for a 16:9 screen, from comfortable to the largest sensible size.
| Distance | Comfortable (30°) | Cinema-like (36°) | Largest (40°) | Nearest standard size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft | 37 in | 45 in | 50 in | 43 in |
| 6 ft | 44 in | 54 in | 60 in | 55 in |
| 7 ft | 52 in | 63 in | 70 in | 65 in |
| 8 ft | 59 in | 72 in | 80 in | 75 in |
| 9 ft | 66 in | 81 in | 90 in | 83 in |
| 10 ft | 74 in | 89 in | 100 in | 85 in |
| 12 ft | 89 in | 107 in | 120 in | 98 in |
| 14 ft | 103 in | 125 in | 140 in | 98 in |
Tips before you buy
- Measure the distance you actually sit, not the length of the room. In many living rooms the sofa is 8 to 10 feet from the screen.
- Check that the TV fits the wall or stand. A 65-inch TV is about 57 inches wide, a 75-inch is 65 inches, and an 85-inch is 74 inches.
- Mount it with the center of the screen at about eye level when you are seated, usually 40 to 45 inches above the floor, not high over a fireplace.
- Resolution matters less than size for a movie night, but with a 4K TV you can sit closer without seeing the pixels, so you can choose a bigger screen.
- In a bright room choose a TV that is bright enough for daylight (an LED or QLED model rather than an OLED, for example), and think about glare from windows.
- Do not forget the sound: a big picture and poor audio is a letdown, and a soundbar is a cheap upgrade.
Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
What size TV should I buy for a viewing distance of 10 feet?
Between about 73 and 100 inches, with 89 inches the cinema-like pick. In practice a 75 or 85 inch TV suits 10 feet, and a 65 inch is a comfortable choice if the budget is tight.
What size TV for 8 feet?
About 59 to 80 inches, with a cinema-like size of 72 inches. A 65 or 75 inch TV suits 8 feet.
How far should I sit from a 65-inch TV?
About 6.5 to 9 feet: 7 feet gives the cinema-like 36° view, and 9 feet the comfortable 30° view. Closer works with a 4K screen if you like it immersive.
Is a bigger TV always better?
No. Past about 40° of your view you have to turn your head to follow the action, and a very large TV in a small room can feel overwhelming. Pick the size for your distance.
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