How far should you sit from a 50-inch TV? Room fit and seating guide

How this is calculated

The THX 40-degree seat for a 50-inch is 5.0 feet (1.5 meters), and the historical SMPTE EG 18-1994 30-degree seat is 6.8 feet (2.1 meters). From 6.8 feet (2.1 m), a 40 degree view fits a screen of about 68 inches (172 cm), and a 30 degree view fits one of 50 inches (127 cm). SMPTE withdrew EG 18 in 2003, so use the 30 degree number as a geometry reference, not a current recommendation.

Verdict

Between 5.0 feet (1.5 m) and 6.8 feet (2.1 m), the 50-inch fills a view from 40 to 30 degrees. The far end is where the picture starts to look small for the room. Stepping up to a 55-inch moves the 30 degree seat back to 7.5 feet (2.3 m), which asks for a deeper room. From 6.8 feet (2.1 m), a 65-inch TV fills 39 degrees, still inside the 40 degree target, so a bigger screen is an option if the room allows it.