How to Use Projector Throw Ratio to Know the Best Screen Size

by Una Tao March 28, 2023 Tips & Tricks

Table of Contents

Introduction
What Is A Projector Throw Ratio
How Do You Calculate A Projector Throw Ratio
- Calculate The Throw Ratio
- Throw Ratio And Screen Size
How To Choose The Best Screen Size For Your Projector
- Room Size
- Projector Resolution
- Viewing Distance
WEMAX Projectors And Projector Screens
Wrapping It Up

If you're looking to set up your own home theater, then you might already know that a projector is unbeatable for a truly cinematic experience. But there's one element of this setup that is often overlooked: the size of your projector screen.

So how big should your screen be, and how can you tell which size is best for your needs?

Your projector screen has to be compatible with the projector itself, so to properly determine the screen size, you'll need to start with one important factor–projector throw ratio.

If you're not familiar with the term, don't fret. We'll cover everything you need to know about projector throw ratio and how you can use it to choose the best screen size, plus some of the most recommended products from WEMAX that are guaranteed to give you that real home theater feel.

What Is Projector Throw Ratio

The lens of a projector dictates the size of the picture that it can create from any given distance. This is known as "throw" and is usually expressed as a ratio -- hence the term "throw ratio."

To put it in simple terms, the throw ratio is the relationship between the width of the projected image and the throw distance. Throw distance is the distance from the lens to the screen and determines how far away from the screen you should place your projector.

The throw ratio is typically stated in the instruction manual of your projector. So for instance, if your projector has a throw ratio of 1:1, then for a 100-inch image width, your projector needs to be 100 inches away from the screen.

All projectors have different throw ratios, so knowing a projector's ratio is therefore vital if you plan to use it with a projector screen of a specific width. This is particularly true for home theaters with limited space, since the throw ratio will tell you what screen size you can partner it with.

How Do You Calculate A Projector Throw Ratio?

Your projector's throw ratio determines how far away from the screen you should place your projector -- so it's the first step when setting up your home theater. This involves two stages:

1. Calculate The Throw Ratio

As mentioned above, the throw ratio is the relation between two factors:

Throw distance--the distance between the projector lens and the screen
Image width -- the size of the image projected measured

Taking this into consideration, the formula for computing the throw ratio is as follows: Throw Ratio = Throw Distance/Image Width

2. Throw Ratio And Screen Size

Using the above formula, a projector's throw ratio will provide you with all the information you need to select the best screen size to set up your home theater.

For instance, you're looking to buy a projector screen but don't know which size you need, and you have a home theater space that is limited.

Let's say your projector needs to be placed 15 feet away from the screen (this is your throw distance). If you have a throw ratio of 1.8 to 2.22:1, then the ideal screen size for you should be between 6.76 and 8.33 feet wide.

How To Choose The Best Screen Size For Your Projector

1. Room Size

To start off, take out your tape measure and measure the width and length of your roomU

This will give you an idea of the maximum distance you can place the projector. Consider also the furniture placement, especially the viewing seats, which will take up most of the space in the room. These measurements will give you a rough guide in determining the best size for your particular needs.

Also, take into consideration the number of viewers. A larger audience translates to a bigger room size -- and therefore the need for an equally larger screen size.

If you are struggling with space limitations when looking for a projector, consider an ultra-short throw (UST) projector like the WEMAX Nova that can project high-quality images from very short distances.

2. Project Resolution

WEMAX Vogue Pro offers stunning 1080 resolution

Resolution is a crucial aspect when it comes to determining screen size.

It refers to the clarity of the image projected from the projector lens. This is measured in pixels per inch (individual points of color). The higher the resolution, the crisper and more vibrant the image is -- making for a more immersive home theater experience.

Most projectors sold today offer at least Full HD resolution, but if you want higher quality images, check out the WEMAX Vogue Pro which offers stunning 1080 resolution using fast-switching pixel shifting that provides unrivaled picture quality.

3. Viewing Distance

Also known as throw distance, viewing distance is the distance from the projector lens to the screen. It is also an important factor since if the projector is too close to the screen it can produce a shadow effect that results in blurry projected images.

Viewing distance is related to throw ratio and is computed as follows: throw distance = throw ratio x screen width. So for instance, if you're using a projector with a throw ratio of 2.0 and your screen has an image width of 5 feet, then your throw distance is 10 feet. This means that your projector should be placed 10 feet away from the screen.

WEMAX Projectors And Projector Screens

WEMAX is a household name when it comes to projection screens that offer elite HD quality -- with a range of different screen sizes and prices to choose from.

If you're in the market to add a new projector screen to your home theater setup, here are some of the best choices from WEMAX that are sure to change your cinema experience:

1. WEMAX Dice & Portable Screen

Combining portability with high-quality features, the WEMAX Dice & Portable Screen provides stunning image quality with a brightness of up to 700 ANSI lumens. This 100-inch screen offers vivid colors and crisp images at 1080p quality.

The best part is that it comes with its own stand, so you can place it anywhere in your home theater without any fuss.

2. WEMAX Electric Tension Rising Screen

This is a floor-rising projector screen that provides an extra level of ease of use and portability that traditional wall or ceiling-mounted projector screens cannot rival. With an advanced electrically operated function, it can be raised and lowered to the floor--remaining out of the way when not in use.

It features a special optical serrated structure that ensures the projected light is reflected effectively to the viewer while simultaneously blocking out external ambient light.

3. WEMAX Go Advanced Projector & 50-Inch Screen

Nothing beats the convenience and advanced features of this 2-in-1 set that comes with both a projector and screen for a complete home theater setup. The WEMAX Go Advanced offers lots of auto-calibration features that include automatic focus, keystone correction, and even obstacle avoidance to bring you the perfect high-quality images. This advanced projector is paired with a compact 50-inch screen that projects sharp and crisp images in full HD.

Wrapping It Up

Searching for the best projector screen size is not an easy task. It requires a lot of research and consideration -- and understanding the basics of projector throw ratio is the first step to finding the right fit for your specific needs.

If you're looking for a projector screen that will take your home theater setup to the next level, WEMAX has everything you need.

WEMAX is the leading brand for laser projectors, portable projectors, LED projectors, and projector screens of all sizes that provide a real home theater experience. If you want to know about making the most out of your home theater, be sure to sign up for the WEMAX newsletter for more tips, how-tos, and exclusive deals.