Choosing the right television size is important for getting the best experience out of your viewing.
Too small and you won’t be able to fully appreciate the details of your favorite show or movie, too big and you’ll be sitting too close to the screen causing eyestrain. We’ve put together a 60” predictor test to help you determine if your current screen size is big enough for your space.
Test Instructions
For this test, we’ll be using a simple formula that takes into account the distance between you and your screen, and your screen resolution. Please note that this test is not a definitive answer and should be used as a guide.
Step 1: Measure Your Viewing Distance
The first step is to measure the distance between your couch or chair and your television. This distance will be used in our formula to determine the right screen size for you. For best results, measure in feet.
Step 2: Determine Your Screen Resolution
The next step is to determine your screen resolution. This is the number of pixels your screen displays both horizontally and vertically. This is important because a higher resolution screen will display a sharper image even when viewed up close.
To find your screen resolution, check your TV settings or the manufacturer’s website.
Step 3: Use the Formula
Now that you have your viewing distance and screen resolution, you can use our formula to determine the right screen size for you. Here’s the formula:.
Screen Size = Viewing Distance / Resolution.
For example, if your viewing distance is 8 feet and your screen resolution is 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels), the formula would be:.
Screen Size = 8 / 1920 = 0.004166667.
Multiplying by 12 will give you the screen size in inches:.
Screen Size = 0.004166667 x 12 = 0.05.
So in this example, the optimal screen size would be 60”.
Results
Using our formula, we’ve created a chart to help you determine the optimal screen size for your viewing distance and screen resolution.
Viewing Distance (ft) | 1080p | 4k Ultra HD |
---|---|---|
4 | 24 | 42 |
5 | 30 | 53 |
6 | 36 | 64 |
7 | 42 | 75 |
8 | 48 | 85 |
9 | 54 | 96 |
10 | 60 | 106 |
11 | 66 | 117 |
12 | 72 | 128 |
As you can see from the chart, viewing distance is a major factor in determining the optimal screen size. The closer you are to the screen, the smaller the screen size needs to be to avoid eyestrain.
Conclusion
Choosing the right screen size for your space can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Using our predictor test, you can determine the optimal screen size for your viewing distance and resolution.
Remember, this test is a guide and not an exact measure, but it can help you make an informed decision when shopping for a new television.