Calculating the correct projector position can be complex. The formula for projector position depends on the specific equipment. Manufacturer specifications include instructions for positioning the gear.

Projection positioning calculations are usually made in three dimensions:

• x - the horizontal offset of the projector to the screen
• y - the vertical offset of the projector to the screen
• z - throw distance

If you don’t have access to the manufacturer specific formula, estimating the third variable, throw distance, can be useful on its own. Estimating throw distance reveals how far away the projector needs to be from the screen. Your goal is to have an image fill the entire screen surface.

Throw distance refers to the distance that a specific combination of projector and lens needs to be from the projection screen to project a specific image size. Throw distance ratios can vary widely depending upon the model, manufacturer and lens type of the projector. Manufacturers tend to have specific formulas that provide the best results for their projector and lens combination. Refer to the owner's manual of your specific projector and lens combination to find the most accurate throw distance and projector position relative to the screen. The projector manual will contain the correct lens information and reference point of measurement (e.g., screen to front of lens). Remember that all lenses are not the same. Also, the distance from the projection screen may vary because screen size and lens zoom ratio will impact projector location. In addition, image processors within each projector can create images of different sizes.