Screen Size Checklist

The following information applies to both front and rear screen 
installations. Planning a rear screen installation involves 
additional considerations, such as the audience seating pattern, 
projection equipment, ambient light, and the projection area.

Width: Use the 2 and 6 rule recommended by the Society of Motion 
Picture and Television Engineers. In case of a difference between the 
two guidelines, the one yielding the larger size prevails.

A. Screen width should equal and not exceed one-half the distance 
from the screen to the first row of seats.

B. Screen width should equal or exceed the distance from the screen 
to the last row of seats, divided by 6.

Note: For multi-image projection, double or triple the width derived 
above, according to the number of side-by-side images.

Height: As a rule of thumb, screen height should equal or exceed the 
distance from the screen to the last row of seats, divided by 8. 
However, ceiling height and aspect ratio considerations may overrule 
this standard.

A. Ceiling height: The bottom of the screen should be at least 48" 
above the floor to allow all members of the audience to see. Thus, 
ceiling height may limit screen height. This rule may not apply in 
rooms with a sloped or tiered seating area.

B. Aspect ratio (relationship of height to width): Commonly used 
projection formats vary in aspect ratio from 1.00:1.00 to 1.00:2.35 
(see chart). If only one projection format will be used, screen 
height may be based on its aspect ratio. If more than one format will 
be used, screen aspect ratio must be adjusted accordingly.

Note: For multi-image projection, base screen height on the aspect 
ratio of a single image.

Aspect Ratios of Common Projection Formats
	H:W
	1.00:1.00	2 x 2 Super and Instamatic slides, overhead and opaque projection
	1.00:1.33	Video projection. 8mm, Super 8mm, and 16mm motion pictures (3:4)
	1.00:1.37	35mm motion picture
	1.00:1.48	35mm standard slides (2:3)
	1.00:1.78	High definition television (9:16)
	1.00:1.85	WideScreen (also known as Letterbox)
	1.00:2.35	CinemaScope
Note: Vertical orientation of a slide reverses its aspect ratio. To allow for this, use a 1.00:1.00 aspect ratio for any type slide. Special circumstances, such as projection equipment or design considerations may affect screen selection. See your Draper dealer or audio-visual consultant before making a firm decision.