What size TV for a conference room?
The right screen size depends on one number: the distance from the screen to the farthest seat. Measure it, find it in the chart, and read across.
The middle column suits most meeting rooms. Use the first column if people will read spreadsheets, drawings or code, and the last if the screen only shows video or signage.
| Farthest seat | Detailed work | Presentations and calls | Video only |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ft | 50″ | 43″ | 43″ |
| 10 ft | 65″ | 43″ | 43″ |
| 12 ft | 75″ | 50″ | 43″ |
| 14 ft | 98″ | 65″ | 43″ |
| 16 ft | 98″ | 65″ | 50″ |
| 18 ft | 110″ | 75″ | 55″ |
| 20 ft | Projector or video wall | 85″ | 65″ |
| 22 ft | Projector or video wall | 98″ | 75″ |
| 24 ft | Projector or video wall | 98″ | 75″ |
| 26 ft | Projector or video wall | 110″ | 85″ |
| 28 ft | Projector or video wall | Projector or video wall | 98″ |
| 30 ft | Projector or video wall | Projector or video wall | 98″ |
Based on 4, 6, 8 picture heights for the three columns, on a 16:9 screen.
How the chart is worked out
The farthest viewer should sit no more than a set number of picture heights from the screen: 4 for detailed work, 6 for presentations and video calls, 8 for video. AV designers have used this 4/6/8 rule for decades.
Each cell is the smallest standard screen size whose picture is tall enough for that distance.
When a TV is not big enough
Flat panels commonly stop at 98 to 110 inches. Past that the chart points to a projector or a video wall. A third option is a second display partway down the room, so the back half has its own screen.
The closest seat and mounting height
Keep the nearest seat at least one screen width back. Mount the screen so the bottom of the picture is around 4 feet off the floor, high enough for the back row to see over the people in front.