Projector screen sizes can leave you scratching your head in confusion until you get a handle on the meaning of these numbers. Most projector screens are advertised using a singe measurement -- for example, "50 inch" or "60 inch" -- that seems to make no sense when applied to the rectangular shape of the screen. However, you can work out the full dimensions of a projector screen as long as you know its size in inches and the aspect ratio, which is usually 16:9 widescreen.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring Tape
- Calculator
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The advertised size of a projector screen -- for example, "50 inch" or "60 inch" -- is measured along the diagonal from the lower right hand corner to the upper left hand corner.
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To determine the height of a typical 16:9 widescreen projector screen, multiply the diagonal by 0.495. For example, if the screen size is 50 inches, multiply 50 by 0.495 to get the height measurement, which would be 24.75 inches.
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To determine the width of a 16:9 widescreen projector screen, multiply the diagonal by 0.87. For example, if the screen size is 50 inches, multiply 50 by 0.87 to get the height measurement of 43.5 inches.
Tips & Warnings
- If you know the width of the screen but not the diagonal, divide the width by 0.87 to get the height. Similarly, if you know the height but not the diagonal, divide the height by 0.495 to get the diagonal.
- Make sure the ratio of the projector screen is 16:9. Most projector screens use this ratio because it is used in widescreen TVs but some screens may have different dimension ratios.
