TV size calculator: what size TV for your room?
Enter how far you sit from the screen and get a TV size range based on SMPTE and THX viewing angles, plus a full distance table.
Calculator based on published viewing angle guidelines, not hands-on testing. How we research · How links work
The short answer
Measure from your eyes to the screen, then use a screen diagonal of about 0.61 to 0.75 times that distance. At 9 feet, that is about 66 to 81 inches. The lower figure follows the SMPTE 30 degree guideline, the higher one the THX 36 degree recommendation.
What size TV fits your distance?
Measure from where your eyes will be to where the screen will hang.
Recommended screen size
66 to 81 inches
Up to 90 inches if you want a cinema-like view. Common sizes in this range: 65, 75 inches.
TV size by viewing distance
| Distance | SMPTE 30° | THX 36° | THX 40° maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft (1.5 m) | 37" | 45" | 50" |
| 6 ft (1.8 m) | 44" | 54" | 60" |
| 7 ft (2.1 m) | 52" | 63" | 70" |
| 8 ft (2.4 m) | 59" | 72" | 80" |
| 9 ft (2.7 m) | 66" | 81" | 90" |
| 10 ft (3.0 m) | 74" | 89" | 100" |
| 11 ft (3.4 m) | 81" | 98" | 110" |
| 12 ft (3.7 m) | 89" | 107" | 120" |
| 13 ft (4.0 m) | 96" | 116" | 130" |
| 14 ft (4.3 m) | 103" | 125" | 140" |
How far to sit from each size
| Screen | Closest (40°) | THX (36°) | Furthest (30°) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43" | 4.3 ft | 4.8 ft | 5.8 ft |
| 50" | 5.0 ft | 5.6 ft | 6.8 ft |
| 55" | 5.5 ft | 6.1 ft | 7.5 ft |
| 65" | 6.5 ft | 7.3 ft | 8.8 ft |
| 75" | 7.5 ft | 8.4 ft | 10.2 ft |
| 85" | 8.5 ft | 9.5 ft | 11.5 ft |
| 98" | 9.8 ft | 11.0 ft | 13.3 ft |
These are geometric guides, not rules. Resolution, content and your eyesight also affect what feels comfortable.
Where to buy your size
Search results at each seller for 4K TVs in that size. Check the exact model, refresh rate and return policy before buying.
| Size | Shop |
|---|---|
| 43 inch | Amazon.comBest Buy |
| 50 inch | Amazon.comBest Buy |
| 55 inch | Amazon.comBest Buy |
| 65 inch | Amazon.comBest Buy |
| 75 inch | Amazon.comBest Buy |
| 85 inch | Amazon.comBest Buy |
| 98 inch | Amazon.comBest Buy |
Models from our budget 4K TV guide
Links go to the seller or a search on the seller's site. Prices change often; the date shows when we last checked the listing.
Hisense 75U6N (2024)
An older Mini-LED television to compare on exact size, condition and current price.
The 75U6N has a 60Hz panel. Check a different screen size or regional model separately rather than assuming identical specifications.
TCL 50Q550F
A 50-inch QLED television with the Fire TV platform.
Check the exact regional model, app availability and detailed specifications before buying. The linked manufacturer listing is for Canada.
Common questions
What size TV should I get for a 10 foot viewing distance?
About 74 to 89 inches. That range matches the 30 degree SMPTE guideline and the 36 degree THX recommendation for a 16:9 screen. Go towards the larger figure for films, the smaller one for a bright living room used for everything.
How far should I sit from a 65 inch TV?
About 7.3 feet for the THX 36 degree view and 8.8 feet for the SMPTE 30 degree view.
Is bigger always better?
Not always. Check that the TV fits the wall or stand, that the seat is not so close that you turn your head, and that the room allows the screen to sit roughly at eye level.
Where do these numbers come from?
They are calculated from the viewing angle the screen fills. SMPTE EG-18 set 30 degrees as a minimum, and THX recommends about 36 degrees with 40 degrees as a more immersive maximum. The math assumes a 16:9 screen, where the width is 0.8716 times the diagonal.
