32-Inch TV Viewing Distance: How Far Away To Sit? 

We have also done dedicated guides on Viewing distances for various TV sizes. Click to check

• How far away to sit from a 43-inch TV?
• How far away to sit from a 50-inch TV?
• How far away to sit from a 55-inch TV?
• How far away to sit from a 65-inch TV?
• How far away to sit from an 80-inch TV?

How do We Calculate These Viewing Distances?

We need to know its dimensions to calculate the viewing distances for a particular TV size. Most 32-inch TVs are around 29.06 inches wide, 17.20 inches tall, and 3.11 inches thick. 

Note: TV dimensions may vary slightly from model to model and brand to brand. 

1- Designed Viewing Distance

These are the optimal viewing distance based on retinal resolution (60 Pixels Per Degree). These are the distances at which you can get full advantages of resolution. You can watch the full details the TV offers without seeing individual pixels. This distance varies with the resolution of the TV. Higher the resolution of the TV, the smaller the designed viewing distance.

If you look at the Viewing Distance on Sony’s Website, they have listed designed viewing distances for each TV size and resolution. 

1- 4k TVs Designed Viewing Distance Formula

Most of the 4k TVs are optimized for a 58-degree field of view. It means you can sit very close to the TVs to get a front-row cinema-like experience without discerning the pixels.

Designed Viewing Distance (4k TVs )= 1.5 x picture Height

2- 1080p TVs Designed Viewing Distance 

Most of the 1080p HD TVs are optimized for a 32-degree field of view. And this is where the SMPTE 30-degree FOV comes from. We can calculate the designed viewing distance of 1080p TVs as follows.

Designed Viewing Distance(1080P TVs )= 3.1 x Picture Height

3- 720p TVS designed Viewing Distance 

Most of the 720p TVs are optimized for a 20-degree field of view distance. 

Designed Viewing Distance(720p TVs )= 4.8x Picture Height

2-THX 40 FOV Viewing Distance

THX is a well-known organization that certifies cinemas and TVs. It found that the best viewing experience is when the TV is viewed at a 40 Degree FOV. At 40 Degrees FOV, you get optimum picture quality, immersion level, and comfort. 

3-SMPTE 30 FOV Viewing Distance

Society of Motion Picture Engineering (SMPTE) is another standardization organization that recommends a 30-degree FOV distance for best picture quality. It was originally optimized for 1080p TVs but later has been widely adopted for 4k TVs as well. 

Science Behind Viewing Distance

Human system has certain visual limitations. We have a horizontal field of view of around 180 degree and resolving power of 1 arc minute or 60 pixels per degree (60 PPD) for a healthy eye with 20/20 visual acuity.

Both of these factors vary with distance from the screen, therefore maintaining an optimal viewing distance becomes critical. 

Let me outline at the outset, the optimal viewing distances are trying to balance 3 desired factors. We want to sit at a distance where we can get the full benefit of resolution or at least avoid screen door effects, we want a good level of immersion and a comfortable experience.

1-Picture Quality (To Take Full Benefit of Resolution & avoid screen door effect)

2-Immersion (To get an immersive viewing experience)

3- Comfort  ( To Get Comfortable experience)

1- How Resolving Power of the Human Eye Relates to Viewing Distance?

Human eye has the resolving power of 1 arc per minute or 60 pixels per degree. This is the maximum detail our eyes can see in the display. And TV manufacturers design their TV for viewing at a distance where you get 60 PPD so you can get the full advantage of resolution without missing any details. 

If you go closer to the screen, you get fewer than 60 pixels per degree. And you can see the individual pixels and lines between them. This results in a screen door effect. 

While if you go away from the screen, you get more details than the 60 pixels per degree. As a result, your eyes can’t resolve the extra details and it is like you are not taking full advantage of the screen resolution.  

2- How  Field of View Relate to Viewing Distance?

Our total vision consists of around 135 degree of vertical and 180 degree of horizontal field of vision. For TVs, the horizontal field of view is important. 

The field of view is also dependent on the distance from the screen or any object for that matter.

Closer you get to the object, more of your field of vision is taken up by the screen or object. So the field of view determines the immersion. 

And away from the TV you are, a lesser part of your vision is taken up by the TV screen. So away from your TV you are, the less immersive it gets and more details you lose. But if you get too close to TV you might not be able to get the full view of the TV. 

Many Cinema Standard and Certification Organizations like THX and SMPTE did their research to know what is the right angle of vision for watching movies.

Their recommendations for maximum and minimum angle of vision are very helpful in determining the viewing distance for the best experience.

 Let’s have a look at the table for various field of views and their significance. Our 32-inch TV viewing distances were according to these FOVs.