Conference room display size calculator
How big does the screen need to be so the back row can read a spreadsheet? Enter the farthest viewer's distance.
How it works
16:9 diagonal = image height × 2.04
The classic rule of thumb sizes the screen by the farthest viewer: no further away than 8 image heights for video, 6 for ordinary documents, and 4 for fine detail. A room whose back seat is 20 ft from the screen needs an image at least 3.3 ft (40 in) tall for documents, which is about an 82" diagonal 16:9 display.
The current industry method is AVIXA's DISCAS standard (ANSI/AVIXA V202.01), which sizes the screen from the height of the smallest element people must read, such as a line of text, rather than a fixed multiplier. Use it for design documents; this calculator gives a quick first answer.
Field notes
- Content beats the rule. A room that mostly shows faces on video calls can live with a smaller screen than one where people review spreadsheets. Ask what the room is for.
- Two screens split the job. In video rooms, one display for far-end faces and one for shared content means each can be sized for its own task.
- Mount height changes the answer. The bottom of the image should clear the heads of people in front, and the screen shouldn't force the front row to crane upward.
- Bigger flat panels stop at a point. Past the largest practical flat panel sizes, a projector or direct-view LED wall becomes the option.
FAQ
Why base it on the farthest viewer?
If the person in the back can read it, everyone closer can too. The front row is limited by comfort instead: sitting too close to a big screen means turning your head to take it in.