A good projector can provide an immersive experience, whether you’re watching a movie or playing a video game. But is it all you need? Not quite. You also need a good projector screen to get the most out of your setup.
Projector screens come in all shapes and sizes. For different purposes, you might want a different size or type of screen. But how do you know what size projector screen you need?
Don’t worry, we will help you with that. In this article, we’ll go over how are projector screens measured and how you can figure out the right size for your needs.
Things you need to know first
There will be some terms that you might not be familiar with if you’re not well-versed in the world of projection. For ease of you, we will explain to them as we go along. So, let’s look at them one by one:
Aspect Ratio:
This is the ratio of the width of the screen to the height. The most common aspect ratios are 4:3 and 16:9.
Viewing Angle:
This is how wide you can view the screen from the front without losing clarity or resolution. The viewing angle is usually given in degrees.
Gain:
This is a measure of how much light the screen reflects. A higher gain screen will reflect more light, making it easier to see in a well-lit room. However, a high-gain screen can also produce a “hot spot” in the center of the screen.
Throw Distance:
This is how far away from the screen you need to be to get a clear image. The throw distance will vary depending on the size and type of projector you’re using.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics, let’s check our main point of interest.
How are projector screens measured?
There are two main ways that projector screens are measured: by their diagonal measurement and by the aspect ratio.
The first way is by the screen’s diagonal measurement. This is the distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. The most common diagonal measurements are 60″, 72″, and 84″.
The second way projector screens are measured is by their aspect ratio. As we mentioned above the aspect ratio is the ratio of the width of the screen to the height.
How to calculate the size of a projector screen for your needs
Now let’s put all of this information together to help you calculate the right size projector screen for your projector setup.
For diagonal measurement:
It is actually quite simple to calculate the diagonal measurement of a projector screen. If you know the size of the room you’ll be using the projector in, you can use this formula to calculate the right screen size:
Formula:
Diagonal screen size = Square root of [(room width in feet)^2 + (room height in feet)^2] x 12
Example:
Let’s say you’ll be using your projector in a room that is 20 feet wide and 10 feet tall. The formula would look like this:
Diagonal screen size = Square root of [(20 feet)^2 + (10 feet)^2] x 12
Diagonal screen size = Square root of [(400) + (100)] x 12
Diagonal screen size = Square root of (500) x 12
Diagonal screen size = 22.36 x 12
Diagonal screen size = 268.32 inches
So, in this example, you would need a screen that is at least 268 inches (or 22.36 feet) wide.
Now, what about the height in diagonal measurement?
The height is usually about 1/3 of the width of most screens. So, in our example above, the height of the screen would be about 89.44 inches (or 7.45 feet).
For Aspect ratio measurement:
You might be thinking why I need this method if I can just use the diagonal measurement.
The reason is, that the aspect ratio is a good way to figure out how much screen you need if you don’t have a lot of space to work with.
For example, let’s say you have a room that is 10 feet wide and 8 feet tall. You can use the formula above to calculate the screen size, and you’ll find that you need a screen that is about 19.2 feet wide. However, this might not be possible in your space. In this case, you would need to use the aspect ratio method.
To use the aspect ratio method, you need to figure out the width and height of the screen in feet.
To figure out the width of the screen in feet, you would use this formula:
The formula for width:
Width (in feet) = (Aspect ratio x height (in feet)) / 12
Example:
Let’s say you want a screen that is 4:3. You know the height of the screen will be 8 feet. The formula would look like this:
Width (in feet) = (4 x 8 feet) / 12
Width (in feet) = 32 / 12
Width (in feet) = 2.667 feet
So, in this example, you would need a screen that is about 2.67 feet wide.
To figure out the height of the screen in feet, you would use this formula:
The formula for height:
Height (in feet) = (Width (in feet) x 12) / Aspect ratio
Example:
For example, let’s say you want a screen that is 4:3. You know the width of the screen will be 2.667 feet. The formula would look like this:
Height (in feet) = (2.667 feet x 12) / 4
Height (in feet) = 32.004 / 4
Height (in feet) = 8.001 feet
So, in this example, you would need a screen that is about 8 feet tall.
Now that you know how to calculate the size of a projector screen, you can be sure to get the right size for your needs! and we are giving you general screen sizes for different situations:
| Situations | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Classroom | 60″-84″ |
| Conference Room | 72″-120″ |
| Home Theater | 84″-100 |
| Outdoor Movie Screen | 120″+ |
Remember these are just ideas to get you started. The best way to figure out the right size screen for your needs is to use the formulas above.
Tips:
You might face some issues when measuring the screen size. To help you with that we are giving some tips that might solve your problem.
-If you’re not sure which aspect ratio to choose, 4:3 is a good all-around option.
-For the diagonal measurement, a good rule of thumb is to add 10″-12″ to the screen size for every foot of distance between the screen and the furthest viewer.
-If you want a really big screen, you can always go for a custom size! Just make sure to use the formulas above to figure out the width and height.
-If you’re mounting your screen on a wall, make sure to leave at least 6″ of space on each side of the screen for proper ventilation.
-When in doubt, always go bigger! It’s better to have a too-big screen than a too-small screen.
FAQs
Before we end here are some commonly asked questions.
Q: Which one is the most accurate way to measure a projector screen?
A: The most accurate way to measure a projector screen is by using diagonal measurement. However, if you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you can use the aspect ratio method.
Q: What’s the difference between a fixed-frame screen and a pull-down screen?
A: A fixed-frame screen is a type of projector screen that is mounted to a wall or ceiling. A pull-down screen is a type of projector screen that can be rolled up when not in use.
Q: Do I need a special type of projector screen for an outdoor movie?
A: Yes, you will need an outdoor movie screen that is designed to withstand the elements. Outdoor screens are typically made of PVC or another type of weather-resistant material.
Q: How do I clean my projector screen?
A: The best way to clean a projector screen is with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners, as they can damage the screen. Instead, gently wipe the screen with a damp microfiber cloth. If there are stubborn stains, you can use a mild soap and water solution. Avoid using rough scrubbing motions, as this can also damage the screen.
Final Take away
Size does matter when it comes to projector screens! so, make sure to use the formulas provided in this guide to figure out the right size screen for your needs. And don’t forget to take into account the aspect ratio, viewing distance, and type of screen you need. With a little bit of planning, you can be sure to get the perfect screen for your home theater or office.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Happy measuring!
