Theater Calculators

Screens & projection

Ideal Viewing Angle Calculator

Field of view is 2 atan((size/2)/distance). Horizontal FOV is what THX and SMPTE quote. Vertical FOV shows how tall the picture looks from the same seat, which matters for captions and scope films on a 16:9 screen.

Inputs

Units
m
m
m

Results

Horizontal FOV
45.0°
Vertical FOV
26.2°

The Result is indicative and educational. It does not constitute a design, a technical opinion or medical advice and does not replace calculations or verification by a person with the appropriate qualifications and authorisations. Before purchase, installation or use in practice – in particular in electrical installations – the Result should be verified by a qualified specialist. Details: Terms of Service, point 4.

Example products

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Calculation method

θ_h = 2 atan(W / 2d), θ_v = 2 atan(H / 2d), in degrees.

Exact formula

θ = 2 arctan(s / 2d). Limits: on-axis seat; no head rotation, no scope masking, no lens distortion.

Frequently asked questions

What FOV is “cinematic”?

THX home is ~40° horizontal. Many living rooms land 28–35°. Wider is more immersive and more pixel-critical.

Does vertical FOV matter?

Yes for captions and 2.39 films on a 16:9 panel. If vertical FOV is tiny, you are sitting too far for the height.

Is this IMAX?

IMAX commercial sits much wider. Do not chase commercial IMAX angles in a 4 m room.

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