Tech Tools / Projector Throw
Projector Throw & Screen
Drag the projector and screen. Throw distance updates image width, height, and diagonal from the selected throw ratio. Or enter a screen size to get the required distance range.
Use at your own risk. Throw ratios, brightness, and screen gain vary by lens, lamp/laser mode, and screen material. Zoom ranges are typical class values, not a guarantee for any specific lens. This tool is a planning aid only. Always verify against manufacturer documentation and on-site measurements before deploying to a show.
Interactive throw diagram
Drag projector or screen · Touch supported · Width = distance ÷ throw ratio
Sources
- Throw ratio = throw distance ÷ image width (standard projector/lens definition).
- Preset ranges are typical class values (UST ~0.2–0.4, short ~0.5–1.0, standard ~1.2–2.0, long ~2.0–4.0+), not a specific OEM lens SKU.
- Foot-lambert ≈ (lumens × gain) / image area in ft²; nits ≈ ft-L × 3.426.
- Confirm with the projector’s official lens calculator for the exact model.
What this projector throw calculator does
It links throw distance, throw ratio, and image size — including zoom ranges and a simple foot-lambert brightness estimate.
Formula
width = distance ÷ throw ratio; height = width ÷ aspect; ft-L ≈ (lumens × gain) ÷ area_ft².
Worked example
Throw ratio 1.5–2.0, 12 ft image width → distance 18–24 ft. At 8000 lumens, gain 1.0, 12×6.75 ft screen ≈ 99 ft-L before real-world losses.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using a “typical class” ratio instead of the exact lens SKU.
- Ignoring lens shift limits and keystone.
FAQ
What is throw ratio?
Throw ratio = throw distance ÷ image width. A 1.5 ratio at 15 m distance yields a 10 m wide image.
How do I find distance for a given screen?
Distance = image width × throw ratio. Zoom lenses give a min–max distance range.
Are UST ratios under 0.4?
Ultra-short-throw lenses are typically around 0.2–0.4. Always confirm with the projector’s official lens chart.
Projection for a show?
Kynetic designs IMAG and scenic projection for corporate and medical events.