TV Mounting Height Calculator

Find the ideal wall-mount height for a TV, where to place its top and bottom edges, and how steep the viewing angle is.

Typically 38–44 in on a sofa
For example above a fireplace

How to use the TV Mounting Height Calculator

  1. Enter the seated eye height (floor to eyes) and pick its unit – Typically 38–44 in on a sofa.
  2. Enter the screen size (diagonal) and pick its unit.
  3. Choose the aspect ratio.
  4. Enter the viewing distance and pick its unit.
  5. Enter the planned center height (optional) and pick its unit – For example above a fireplace.
  6. Press Calculate. The result updates automatically as you type, and you can switch the result unit at any time.

About the TV Mounting Height Calculator

The most comfortable TV position puts the middle of the picture at, or just below, the eye level of a seated viewer, so your neck stays in its neutral position. On a typical sofa that means a center height around 40–44 in, noticeably lower than many people mount their TVs.

If the TV has to go higher, for example above a fireplace, keep the upward angle to the center below about 15° and consider a tilting mount that angles the screen down, or a pull-down mount. Remember that the wall bracket rarely lines up with the screen center, so measure the offset on your TV's mounting holes before drilling. For recliners or bar seating, measure your own eye height rather than relying on averages.

Formula

Screen height = Diagonal × Rh ÷ √(Rw² + Rh²)
Center height = Seated eye height
Bottom edge = Center − Screen height ÷ 2
Viewing angle = arctan((Planned center − Eye height) ÷ Distance)

A 65 in 16:9 screen is 31.9 in tall. With a 42 in eye height, center it at 42 in, so the bottom edge sits about 26 in and the top edge about 58 in above the floor.

Example calculation

Using the default values:

  • Seated eye height (floor to eyes) = 42 in
  • Screen size (diagonal) = 65 in
  • Aspect ratio = 16:9
  • Viewing distance = 9 ft

the calculator returns:

  • Recommended center height: 42 in
  • Bottom edge of screen: 26.0665 in
  • Top edge of screen: 57.9335 in

Frequently asked questions

How high should a 65 inch TV be mounted?

For a typical sofa, put the screen center about 42 in from the floor, which leaves the bottom edge roughly 26 in up.

Is mounting a TV above a fireplace bad?

It often puts the screen 60 in or more above the floor, which forces viewers to look up 15–25°. A pull-down mount or a larger viewing distance reduces neck strain.

Should the TV be at eye level when standing or sitting?

Sitting. Use the eye height from the seat you watch from most, since that is where you spend the viewing time.

Last updated: · Category: TV & Video calculators

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