Monitor Viewing Distance Calculator
Get the exact sitting distance for your monitor and resolution. Stop squinting; stop straining.
Resolution
Ideal viewing distance
Sweet spot
21.1in
54 cm · 1.8 ft
Min (full immersion)
17.9"
Max (clear text)
33.7"
How this works
What's the formula?
Optimal distance = screen height × pixels-per-degree × (180/π) ÷ vertical pixels. The denominator is your screen's vertical pixel count; the numerator is calibrated to the eye's 1-arc-minute acuity threshold at ~60 PPD.
Why does resolution matter so much?
At the same screen size, a 4K display packs ~4× more pixels than 1080p. You can sit closer without seeing individual pixels — making 4K ideal for "immersive" desktop setups at typical arm's-length distance.
How close is too close?
Below the minimum distance, you'll see pixel grid lines and antialiasing artifacts, and your eyes can't take in the whole screen without scanning. Below ~70% of the optimal distance is uncomfortable for most people.
How far is too far?
Past the maximum, you start losing readable text and missing small UI details. The numbers above keep text crisp without straining to see.