Television Viewing Distance

The Television Viewing Distance calculator computes the perfect distance from which one should view a television based on the size of the TV.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (S) Size of the TV

Television Viewing Distance (TVD):  The calculator returns the answer in inches.  However this can be automatically changed to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The ideal viewing distance is also based on the size of the television, and is the perfect distance away from the screen you should be sitting when you watch. The calculation for this is your TV size, divided by 0.55. As a quick reference, for a 42” television, the optimal viewing distance is 76 inches away. For a 55”, you’ll want to be 100” away.

The optimal viewing for 65” TVs is 118”, and for 70” televisions, you’ll ideally want to be 127” away.

Related Calculators

• TV height from the ground for ideal viewing.