Projector Throw Calculator 2026
Calculate exactly the throw distance or screen size for your projector. Find the perfect placement for any screen width, aspect ratio, and throw ratio range.
Projector & Screen Settings
Enter your screen or projector details to calculate the perfect placement
Choose whether you know your screen size and need the distance, or vice versa.
The horizontal width of your projection screen or wall.
Enter the min and max throw ratio from your projector’s specs. If it’s a fixed lens, enter the same value for both.
The proportional relationship between screen width and height.
Projection Results
Throw distance, screen dimensions, and placement advice
Enter your screen or projector details above and click Calculate Projection to see the throw distance or screen size.
Projector Throw Ratios at a Glance
Typical throw ratios and the distances required for a standard 100-inch 16:9 screen (2.21m wide). Shorter ratios mean the projector sits closer to the screen.
| Projector Type | Throw Ratio | Distance for 100″ Screen | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Short Throw (UST) | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.33 – 0.77 m | Living rooms, laser TVs |
| Short Throw | 0.4 – 0.9 | 0.88 – 1.99 m | Classrooms, small rooms |
| Standard Throw | 1.0 – 1.9 | 2.21 – 4.20 m | Home theatres, offices |
| Long Throw | 2.0 – 3.0 | 4.42 – 6.63 m | Large venues, cinemas |
| Ultra Long Throw | 3.0+ | 6.63+ m | Domes, massive installations |
Projector Throw FAQ
Everything you need to understand projector placement, throw ratios, and screen sizing for your home theatre or presentation setup.
Throw ratio is the relationship between the size of the image and the distance from the projector to the screen. For example, a 1.5:1 throw ratio means the projector must be 1.5 metres away to project an image 1 metre wide. It is calculated as Throw Distance ÷ Screen Width.
To calculate throw distance, multiply your desired screen width by the projector’s throw ratio. For example, if you want a 2-metre wide screen and your projector has a throw ratio of 1.5, the throw distance is 2 × 1.5 = 3 metres. If your projector has a zoom lens with a range (e.g., 1.5 – 1.8), you will get a minimum and maximum distance.
Short throw projectors (ratio typically 0.4 to 1.0) can be placed very close to the screen, which reduces shadows when people walk in front of the beam and minimises glare. Long throw projectors (ratio above 2.0) need to be placed far back, which is common in large cinemas or venues where the projector is mounted in a rear booth.
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between screen width and height. For a fixed screen width, a 16:9 screen is taller than a 2.35:1 cinematic screen, meaning the 16:9 screen has a larger overall area and diagonal size. Our calculator automatically adjusts height and diagonal based on your selected aspect ratio.
Throw distance is measured from the front of the projector’s lens to the surface of the screen. However, manufacturers sometimes specify it from the front of the projector’s body or the ventilation grille. Always check your specific projector’s manual, as it can vary by a few centimetres.