Projector Brightness and Throw

The projector lumens a screen needs from its size, gain, and target foot-lamberts, with the throw distance from the throw ratio. The projection analog of lighting-beam's fixture photometry.

Run the calculator

Formula and source

Required lumens = target foot-lamberts x screen area / gain; throw distance = throw ratio x screen width.

Standard AV screen-luminance identity (SMPTE-style targets, by name); foot-lamberts = lumens x gain / area.

Audience

This tile is built for trades and the adjacent professions in the Stage and Live Production group. The interactive calculator runs entirely in your browser. No account, no fee, no advertising, no tracking.

Related tiles

Posture

Rough Logic answers the math question the working professional asks on the job. The site is a calm, fast, ad-free, account-free, ever-free reference. It does not interpret code. It does not replace the licensed professional. It does not store your inputs. The Authority Having Jurisdiction governs all installations and inspections.