Monitor Viewing Distance Calculator

Why monitor viewing distance matters

Your viewing distance affects eye comfort, neck posture, and how easily you can read text without leaning forward. Sitting too close can increase eye fatigue and encourage a forward-head posture; sitting too far can lead to squinting, craning the neck, or boosting brightness/contrast to compensate. A good distance is usually a range, not a single perfect number, because comfort depends on text size, display scaling, lighting, and your vision.

This calculator provides a practical recommendation using your screen diagonal and vertical resolution as inputs, then lets you optionally compare the result to your current distance. Treat the output as a starting point for ergonomic adjustment, not a medical prescription.

What the calculator returns

• Recommended viewing distance (inches): a suggested target distance (often best interpreted as a small range around the target).
• Classification: a plain-language label such as close-range, mid-range, or extended-range to help you interpret how the recommendation fits typical setups.
• Comparison to your current distance (if provided): whether you’re likely sitting closer or farther than the recommendation, plus a simple adjustment suggestion.

Inputs explained

Screen diagonal (inches)

This is the advertised diagonal size of your monitor (e.g., 24", 27", 32"). Measure diagonally from one corner of the visible screen area to the opposite corner if you’re unsure.

Vertical resolution (e.g., 1080)

This is the number of vertical pixels (height) in your display’s resolution:

• 1080 = 1920×1080 (“1080p”)
• 1440 = 2560×1440 (“1440p”)
• 2160 = 3840×2160 (“4K UHD”)

Vertical resolution is used as a simple proxy for pixel density: higher resolution on the same physical size generally produces smaller pixels and smoother text, which can make closer viewing more comfortable.

Your current distance (optional)

Measure from your eyes (roughly the bridge of your nose) to the screen surface. If you wear glasses, measure from where your eyes are, not from the glasses. If you want a quick method: sit normally, hold a tape measure at your cheekbone level, and extend it to the monitor.

Formulas and method (how the recommendation is estimated)

A common ergonomic rule of thumb suggests sitting about 1–2× the screen diagonal away. This calculator uses a diagonal-based distance with a modest adjustment based on resolution, producing a factor that typically falls between about 1.4 and 1.8.

Base relationship:

Where:

• D = recommended viewing distance (inches)
• s = screen diagonal (inches)
• f = distance factor (unitless), adjusted by resolution

Resolution adjustment concept: for the same screen size, higher vertical resolution generally means higher pixel density, which can support a slightly smaller viewing distance (smaller f) without seeing pixel structure and without needing to lean in to read.

Important: this is an ergonomic estimate. True “ideal” distance depends heavily on text size/OS scaling, your task (coding vs. video vs. design), and visual acuity. Use the result as a starting point, then fine-tune.

How to interpret your results

Distance classifications (practical meaning)

• Close-range: typically used for smaller screens, shallow desks, or when large UI scaling/text size makes reading easy up close.
• Comfortable mid-range: common for most desk setups; encourages neutral posture with minimal leaning.
• Extended-range: more typical for very large displays (or TV-as-monitor setups) and for users who prefer a wider field-of-view without turning the head.

If you’re closer than recommended

• Move the monitor back a small amount (1–2 inches at a time) and re-check readability.
• Increase font size or OS scaling rather than leaning forward.
• Reduce glare and avoid excessive brightness to limit eye fatigue.

If you’re farther than recommended

• Bring the monitor slightly closer, or increase UI scaling so you can sit back fully in your chair.
• Check that the screen is centered and at an appropriate height to avoid chin jutting.

Worked example

Scenario: You have a 27-inch monitor at 1440p (vertical resolution 1440), and you currently sit 30 inches away.

1. Enter Screen Diagonal: 27
2. Enter Vertical Resolution: 1440
3. Enter Your Current Distance: 30
4. Click Calculate Distance

How to use the output: if the recommended distance comes back notably higher than 30 inches, try sliding the monitor back and increasing text size slightly so you can keep your shoulders relaxed and your back supported. If it comes back close to 30 inches, your setup is likely within a reasonable comfort zone; you can refine based on eye strain and posture over a few days.

Sample comparisons (derived from the same diagonal-based approach)

Use these as a rough benchmark; your calculator result may differ based on the specific factor chosen for your resolution input.

Limitations and assumptions

• Assumes resolution is a proxy for pixel density: vertical resolution alone can’t fully determine PPI without screen size and aspect ratio; ultra-wide or unusual aspect ratios may not fit perfectly.
• Doesn’t account for OS scaling/text size: 150% scaling can make a “closer” distance feel unnecessary; tiny fonts can push you closer even on high-resolution screens.
• Doesn’t model vision differences: prescription needs, astigmatism, and dry-eye conditions can change what feels comfortable.
• Task matters: reading dense text, gaming, color work, and multi-monitor layouts can each favor different distances.
• Not medical advice: persistent headaches, eye pain, or neck issues warrant professional guidance.

Practical setup tips (beyond distance)

• Screen height: keep the top third of the screen at or slightly below eye level to reduce neck extension.
• Reduce glare: avoid bright windows behind you; use blinds or reposition the monitor.
• Take breaks: use a simple distance-vision break routine (e.g., look across the room periodically) to reduce sustained near-focus strain.

References (general guidance)

• OSHA and general workstation ergonomics guidance (monitor placement and posture)
• Common optometry recommendations for reducing near-work discomfort (breaks and viewing habits)

Last updated: 2026-01-09