Projection Throw & Lens Calculator

This projection throw screen helps AV technicians, event producers, and system integrators organize first-pass projector geometry. Enter active image width, aspect ratio, lens-to-screen distance, projector lumens, screen gain prompt, and ambient-light prompt to screen throw ratio, image height/diagonal/area, and local foot-lambert and nit prompts.

The tool treats throw ratio as lens-to-screen distance divided by active image width. Its lens-class rows are coarse prompts only. Current projector model data, manufacturer lens charts, zoom range, focus range, offset, lens shift, keystone limits, warping, mounting geometry, and site measurements control whether a projector or lens can actually be used.

Brightness output is also bounded. The app uses entered lumens, selected gain prompt, and screen area to show local fL and cd/m2 prompts. It does not validate AVIXA DISCAS display-size conformance, AVIXA ISCR contrast measurement, SMPTE cinema conditions, ambient-light control, screen material, viewing cone, content readability, rigging, power, safe work, venue rules, or AHJ acceptance.

Pro Tip: Start with the exact projector model, current manufacturer lens chart, screen product data, measured lens-to-screen distance, measured ambient light, planned viewer positions, rigging points, power source, cable paths, and venue requirements. Use this screen to find source gaps before qualified AV, rigging, electrical, and venue review.

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How It Works

Enter Active Image Width

Use the projected active image width and aspect ratio, not the screen frame alone. Viewer position, content size, and AVIXA DISCAS conformance still need separate review.
Enter Lens-to-Screen Distance

Measure from the projector lens to the screen surface and choose the distance unit. The tool screens throw ratio only; manufacturer zoom, offset, focus, and lens-shift ranges are not selected.
Enter Lumens and Screen Prompt

Enter current measured or manufacturer-rated lumens, then choose a local screen gain and ambient-light prompt. Lamp/laser mode, age, content, screen material, and measured ambient light remain source gaps.
Review Source Gaps

Use the throw-ratio, image-size, fL, nits, and distance-table prompts as questions for manufacturer, screen, AVIXA/SMPTE, rigging, electrical, venue, and qualified-review follow-up.

Built For

AV technicians screening whether a proposed projector position creates a plausible throw-ratio prompt before checking the manufacturer lens chart
Event producers comparing local brightness prompts before ordering measured light checks, screen data, and venue review
System integrators organizing source gaps for conference rooms, houses of worship, lecture halls, and boardrooms before design review
Live event designers checking image-size and distance-table prompts for scenic projection, IMAG, and digital signage layouts before qualified review

Features & Capabilities

Throw Ratio Prompt

Screens throw ratio from lens-to-screen distance and active image width. Lens-class labels are prompts, not a manufacturer compatibility check or lens order recommendation.

Screen Geometry Prompt

Shows active image height, diagonal, and area from width and aspect ratio. It does not validate sightlines, content readability, DISCAS display-size conformance, or seating positions.

Brightness Prompt

Shows local fL and cd/m2 values from entered lumens, gain prompt, and active screen area. The output is not measured luminance, ISCR contrast, SMPTE acceptance, or ambient-light approval.

Source Boundary Panel

Keeps manufacturer data, screen material, ambient light, viewer positions, rigging, electrical, venue, AHJ, and qualified-review gaps visible in the app, report, and PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this screen choose the projector lens?

No. It screens a throw-ratio prompt only. The selected projector model, manufacturer lens chart, zoom range, focus range, lens shift, offset, keystone, mounting geometry, and site measurements control actual fit.

Can the brightness prompt prove the image will be readable?

No. The app uses entered lumens, gain, and area to produce local fL and cd/m2 prompts. Readability still depends on measured light output, ambient light, screen material, contrast ratio, content, viewing positions, and AVIXA/SMPTE or qualified review.

What projector safety gaps remain?

Overhead support, rigging points, projector weight, heat, ventilation, power, grounding, cable path, laser-light exposure, egress, venue rules, permit/AHJ conditions, and qualified AV/electrical/rigging review remain outside this screen.

Disclaimer: This screen is a preliminary source-aware projection prompt only. It does not select projectors or lenses, validate AVIXA/SMPTE conformance, measure luminance or contrast, approve rigging or electrical work, or provide venue/AHJ acceptance.

Learn More

Live Events

Projector Throw Ratio & Screen Brightness

How to calculate throw ratio, select lenses, and verify screen brightness in foot-lamberts for AV installations and live events.

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