Projector Calculator
Calculate projector throw distance and screen size. Find the right projector placement for your home theater.
Screen Size for 12 ft Distance
Setup Summary
With a throw ratio of 1.5:1 and 16:9 aspect ratio, placing your projector 12 feet from the screen will produce a 110" diagonal image (96.0" × 54.0").
Common Projector Screen Sizes (16:9)
| Diagonal | Width | Height | Standard Throw (1.5:1) | Short Throw (0.75:1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80" | 69.7" | 39.2" | 8.7 ft | 4.4 ft |
| 100" | 87.2" | 49.0" | 10.9 ft | 5.5 ft |
| 110" | 95.9" | 53.9" | 12.0 ft | 6.0 ft |
| 120" | 104.6" | 58.8" | 13.1 ft | 6.5 ft |
| 130" | 113.3" | 63.7" | 14.2 ft | 7.1 ft |
| 135" | 117.6" | 66.2" | 14.7 ft | 7.3 ft |
| 150" | 130.7" | 73.5" | 16.3 ft | 8.2 ft |
Brightness Recommendations
Dedicated Theater (Dark)
Full light control
Living Room (Dim)
Shades/curtains available
Living Room (Ambient)
Some ambient light
Bright Room
Windows, overhead lights
💡 Larger screens require brighter projectors. Double the screen area = double the lumens needed.
Understanding Throw Ratio
Throw ratio is the relationship between the projector's distance from the screen and the width of the image it produces. It's the most important factor in projector placement.
The Formula
Throw Ratio = Distance / Screen Width
Distance = Throw Ratio × Screen Width
Screen Width = Distance / Throw Ratio
Throw Ratio Types
- Ultra Short Throw (0.2-0.5): Place just inches from screen. Great for small rooms, avoids shadows.
- Short Throw (0.5-1.0): A few feet from screen. Good for classrooms, living rooms.
- Standard (1.0-2.0): Most common type. Good flexibility in placement.
- Long Throw (2.0+): Far from screen. Used in large venues, auditoriums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What throw ratio do I need for a 120 inch screen?
It depends on your room. For a 120" screen (104.6" wide), a standard 1.5:1 projector needs about 13 feet. A short throw 0.75:1 needs only 6.5 feet. Check your available ceiling/shelf distance.
Is short throw better than standard?
Short throw is better for small rooms, reduces shadows from people walking in front, and often has less glare. However, standard throw projectors are usually cheaper and easier to set up for ceiling mounting.
How many lumens do I need for a 120 inch screen?
For a dedicated dark theater, 2000-3000 lumens is fine. For a living room with some ambient light, aim for 3500-4500 lumens. With significant ambient light, consider 5000+ lumens or an ambient light rejecting screen.
Can I use a projector on a white wall?
Yes, a smooth white wall works well, especially for casual use. However, a proper screen improves contrast, color accuracy, and brightness uniformity. Screen paint is a good middle-ground option.
What's lens shift and do I need it?
Lens shift moves the image up/down/left/right without moving the projector. It's very helpful for ceiling mounts or off-center placement. Without it, you may need keystone correction which can reduce image quality.
How high should I mount the projector?
Ideally, the projector lens should be level with the top or center of the screen. Most projectors can offset the image upward by 10-15%. Check your projector's offset specification and lens shift capabilities.
Related Calculators
Calculations are based on throw ratio specifications. Actual results may vary based on zoom range, lens shift, and projector model. Always verify with your projector's manual or manufacturer's throw distance calculator.