TV Size & Viewing Distance Calculator

How to Choose the Right TV Size

Choosing the right TV size comes down to one key measurement: your viewing distance. The distance between your seating position and the screen determines how large the TV should be for the best viewing experience. Too small and you strain to see details; too large and you may notice individual pixels or feel overwhelmed.

Resolution plays a major role. With a 4K TV, you can sit much closer without seeing pixels compared to a 1080p set. This means 4K TVs can be larger for the same viewing distance — or you can sit closer to a same-sized screen and still enjoy a sharp image. The THX standard recommends a 40° viewing angle for a cinematic experience, while SMPTE (the professional broadcast standard) suggests a minimum of 30°.

For most living rooms with a viewing distance of 8-12 feet and a 4K TV, a 65" to 75" screen hits the sweet spot. If you're closer (6-8 feet, like a bedroom), a 50" to 55" TV works well. For dedicated home theaters at 12+ feet, consider 75" or larger — or explore a projector for true cinema scale using our Projector Throw Calculator.