Viewing Distance Calculator

Calculate a formula-based viewing-distance range from the screen size you enter.

This calculator runs on this page using only the values you enter. Review what this browser test can and cannot measure.

Before you start

  • Measure the screen diagonal rather than estimating it.
  • Choose the current resolution if you want supplemental pixel-density context.

How to run this check

  1. Open Viewing Distance Calculator
  2. Enter your screen size (inches)
  3. Optionally choose a resolution for supplemental PPI information
  4. Review the formula-based range and adjust within it for comfort, readability, and your workspace

What this browser test can tell you

Can help you check

  • Formula-based distance ranges from the user-entered diagonal using displayed size multipliers, plus supplemental PPI and a horizontal-angle estimate from the selected resolution aspect ratio.

Cannot measure

  • This test cannot provide a medical or ergonomic guarantee.
Setup, interpretation, and sources

Recommended setup

  1. Enter the display diagonal accurately; optionally choose a resolution for supplemental PPI.
  2. Measure from your eyes to the screen rather than to the desk edge.

How to interpret what you see

  • Record the suggested range and adjust within it for comfort, readability, and your workspace.
  • Resolution supplies the aspect ratio used for the horizontal angle and changes supplemental PPI, not the displayed distance multipliers.
  • Exact physical placement requires a tape measure; individual ergonomic assessment requires a qualified professional.

Methodology reviewed:

Enter Your Screen Specs

Enter a screen size to calculate the displayed distance references.

Adjust the result to the real workspace

The calculated range is a FreeScreenTest-defined starting example based on the entered diagonal and displayed multipliers. It is not medical advice, an ergonomic assessment, or proof of one correct distance.

Readable text
Set browser zoom, OS scaling, and app text size before moving closer only to compensate for tiny text.
Desk depth
Measure the available eye-to-screen distance with the keyboard, stand, and monitor base in place.
Posture
Check that the chosen position does not require a persistent forward lean or awkward head angle.
Task
Keep the full interface and the detail you actually use visible; different work can justify different positions.
Comfort
Make small reversible changes to distance, brightness, glare, and text size instead of treating discomfort as a formula result.

FreeScreenTest Starting Examples

1.5× Diagonal Reference

Screen diagonal × 1.5

FreeScreenTest defines this as the nearer starting example, not an ergonomic recommendation.

1.8× Diagonal Reference

Screen diagonal × 1.8

FreeScreenTest defines this as the farther starting example, not an ergonomic recommendation.

Pixel Density

Calculated from the entered size and selected resolution

This does not set a universal viewing distance.