Conference room projector screen size and setup

For a conference room projector screen, make the image height at least one-sixth of the distance to the farthest seat for video and slides, and about one-quarter of that distance for detailed content like spreadsheets and drawings. A 20 ft (6 m) deep room needs an image about 40 in (1 m) tall or more, roughly a 80-92 in diagonal 16:9 or 16:10 screen. Pair it with a projector bright enough for your room lighting, usually 4,000 lumens or more with lights on.

Screen size by room depth

Distance to farthest seat	Min. image height (1/6 rule)	Approx. 16:9 diagonal
12 ft (3.7 m)	24 in (61 cm)	50 in
16 ft (4.9 m)	32 in (81 cm)	65 in
20 ft (6.1 m)	40 in (102 cm)	82 in
24 ft (7.3 m)	48 in (122 cm)	98 in
30 ft (9.1 m)	60 in (152 cm)	123 in

These are minimums for video and slides. For detailed content people must read, aim for an image height of about one-quarter of the distance, which often means a larger screen or a second display. The same logic applies to TVs; see conference room TV size.

Screen types

Type	Pros	Cons
Fixed-frame	Flat, best image, cheap per inch	Always visible on the wall
Electric retractable (motorized)	Hides away; can drop in front of a whiteboard	Needs power and a control; wave on cheap models
Tab-tensioned retractable	Flat like fixed, still retracts	Costs more
Manual pull-down	Low cost	Wears out; can sag
ALR (ambient light rejecting)	Better contrast in lit rooms	Narrower viewing angle, often fixed only

A retractable screen lets you use a whiteboard or wall behind it. Electric screens can be triggered by a control system or a 12V trigger from the projector.

Projector placement and setup

Mount centered on the screen, at the distance the projector's throw ratio requires. Use the manufacturer's throw calculator.
Ceiling mount above the table, or use a short-throw projector near the screen to avoid shadows and glare in presenters' eyes.
Align the image using lens shift where available, rather than keystone correction, which softens the image.
Run cables: HDMI or HDBaseT from the table or video bar to the projector, plus power. See conference room wiring.
Set the screen bottom about 40-48 in (102-122 cm) from the floor so heads don't block it.

Brightness

Room lighting	Suggested projector brightness
Dimmable, few windows	3,000-4,000 lumens
Normal office lighting	4,000-6,000 lumens
Bright, windows	6,000+ lumens, ALR screen, or a display instead

Laser projectors keep brightness longer and need no lamp changes.

Projectors in video conference rooms

Projectors and cameras don't always mix well:

Remote participants see a dim room if lights are lowered for the projector.
The camera can catch projector glare.
A camera below a screen may be blocked by people standing at the front.

That's why many rooms switch to large flat panels or interactive boards like the Logitech Rally Board 65 or Neat Board Pro. See TV vs projector and display options.

If you keep a projector, place the camera above or below the screen at eye level, keep lights on over the table, and use front lighting. See camera placement and lighting for video calls.

Conference room privacy screens

"Privacy screen" in a conference room usually means something different from a projector screen:

Switchable smart glass that turns opaque at the press of a button.
Window film (frosted or patterned) on glass walls.
Blinds or shades, sometimes motorized and tied to room controls.
Monitor privacy filters on individual laptops.

Planning a large-image room? Send us the room depth and we'll compare projector and display options.

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