Monitor Distance Calculator
Work out how far back and how high your monitor should sit, from your height and screen size.
Your ideal monitor setup
Viewing distance is roughly an arm's length (about 0.44× your height), never closer than 50 cm, with extra distance added for screens larger than 24″ so text and UI stay comfortable to read.
Getting monitor placement right protects your eyes and neck
A monitor placed too close forces your eyes to work harder and often drags your posture forward with it; placed too far, you end up squinting or leaning in — either way undoing the benefit of a well-set chair and desk. Starting from roughly an arm's length back, scaled up for larger screens, keeps the whole display in comfortable view without extra strain.
Height matters just as much as distance: with the top of the screen at or just below eye level, your neck stays in a neutral, relaxed position rather than tilted back to look up or hunched forward to look down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ideal viewing distance calculated?
Viewing distance starts at roughly an arm's length — about 0.44 times your height — with a 50 cm floor so the screen is never uncomfortably close. For screens larger than 24 inches diagonal, about 2 cm is added per extra inch, since bigger screens need more distance to keep the whole display in comfortable view.
Why does screen size change the distance?
A larger screen fills more of your field of view at the same distance, which can force your eyes to work harder to take in the whole display and can even make text and UI elements feel oversized up close. Pushing a big monitor back preserves a comfortable field of view without losing detail.
How high should my monitor sit?
As a starting point, the top of the screen should sit at or just below your seated eye level, so your gaze rests slightly downward toward the middle of the display. That keeps your neck in a neutral position instead of tilted up or craned forward.
What if I use two monitors or a very wide ultrawide?
For dual monitors, angle both screens slightly inward toward you so the outer edges aren't a stretch to see; center whichever screen you use most. For an ultrawide, the same distance guidance applies, treating the diagonal size as the input here.
Does this account for glasses or bifocals?
No — this is a general ergonomic starting point based on height and screen size alone. If you wear glasses (especially bifocals or progressives), you may need to adjust distance and height further, and it's worth mentioning your monitor setup to your optometrist.
Educational estimate — not medical, physiotherapy, or occupational-health advice; consult a clinician or ergonomist for pain or medical needs.