Projector throw distance calculator
Enter your screen size to see how far the projector needs to sit from the screen — or start from your room and see which of our 233 in-stock projectors will fit. Distances are calculated from each manufacturer's stated throw ratio.
Required distance from the screen for a 100" (16:10) image, by throw ratio:
Every projector below lists its exact range — switch to "Which projectors fit my room?" to filter by your space.
How is projector throw distance calculated?
Throw distance = throw ratio × image width. A projector with a 1.5:1 throw ratio needs 1.5 metres of distance for every 1 metre of image width. The ratio uses the image's width, not its diagonal — a 100-inch 16:10 screen is about 2.15 m wide, so that projector would sit around 3.2 m back. Projectors with zoom lenses quote a range, such as 1.35–2.2:1, giving flexibility in where to mount.
What is a short throw projector?
Short throw projectors have a throw ratio below roughly 1:1, producing a large image from very close to the screen — ideal for classrooms and small meeting rooms where presenters would otherwise cast shadows. Ultra short throw models go further still, sitting just centimetres from the wall.
Fitting a flat-panel display instead? Use the screen size calculator to match a display to your room.
Need help specifying a projector for your space? Our technical team can advise on installation, mounting and compatible AV systems — talk to us.