Calculator
Golf simulator projector placement: throw distance calculator
BenQ calls a 0.69–0.89 throw ratio a practical range for a short throw golf simulator projector. Screen shape and ball distance still decide whether it lands behind the hitting area, above the golfer or in front.
At a glance
- typical short-throw ratio
- 0.69–0.89 BenQ
- behind the hitting area
- 2′–3′ BenQ
- throw at 0.81, 10 × 8 ft screen
- 10′ 10″ 4:3 picture, 16:9 projector
Screen and projector
Projector Check the swing
10′ 10″from the screen
Right above the golfer · 0′ 10″ behind the ball
Projector lands right above the golfer — check swing clearance under it.
- Picture on the screen
- 10′ × 7′ 6″
- 4:3 from a 16:9 projector (bars at the sides)
- For 2–3 ft behind the ball
- 0.90–0.98
- throw ratio to look for
Throw 10′ 10″; 0′ 10″ behind the ball.
Every common throw ratio, in your room
Same screen and ball. Press a ratio to use it above.
BenQ’s formulas, word for word
- Same shape as the projector
Throw Ratio =Throw Distance ÷Image Width
- 4:3 picture, 16:9 projector
Throw Ratio = (Throw Distance × 0.5625) ÷ Image Height
- 4:3 picture, 16:10 projector
Throw Ratio = (Throw Distance × 0.6277) ÷ Image Height
- Typical for home simulators
In standard home simulator setups, a throw ratio between 0.69 and 0.89 is often considered a practical balance, as it allows the image to fully fill the screen while keeping the projector safely behind the tee and minimizing shadows.
- Where it should sit
This placement typically allows the projector to sit 2–3 ft behind the hitting area, helping to reduce shadows while keeping the projector safely out of the swing path.
benq.com · copied Oct 17, 2026
The formula
How do you calculate throw distance?
Calculate the picture first, then compare the projector position with the hitting area.
BenQ’s basic formula multiplies throw ratio by picture width to find distance. For a 4:3 picture from a 16:9 projector, its formula uses picture height instead: throw ratio equals distance × 0.5625 ÷ height. The equivalent factor for a 16:10 projector is 0.6277.
Match the calculator’s picture and projector aspect ratios before choosing a mount. BenQ recommends placing the projector above and 2–3 ft behind the hitting area.
Throw ratio
distance ÷ picture widthBenQ: “Throw Ratio = Throw Distance ÷ Image Width”.
4:3 picture from 16:9
distance × 0.5625 ÷ heightBenQ’s formula for a square-ish golf picture from a wide projector.
4:3 from 16:10
distance × 0.6277 ÷ heightSame idea for 16:10 projectors.
Placement
2′–3′ behindBenQ: the projector should sit behind the hitting area.
Worked example
Will it sit behind the golfer?
For a 10 × 8 ft screen showing a 4:3 picture from a 16:9 projector, this site’s estimate puts a 0.81 projector 10 ft 10 in from the screen. With the ball 10 ft out, that places it only just behind the ball—not behind the golfer.
The table’s 0.69 option lands in front of the ball. The 1.10 option reaches behind the golfer, but farther back than BenQ’s recommended position.
A short throw label alone does not establish a useful mounting position.
| Throw ratio | Throw distance | Projector vs ball | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.50 | 6′ 8″ | 3′ 4″ in front of the ball | In the ball flight |
| 0.69 | 9′ 2″ | 0′ 10″ in front of the ball | In the ball flight |
| 0.81 | 10′ 10″ | 0′ 10″ behind the ball | Above the golfer |
| 1.10 | 14′ 8″ | 4′ 8″ behind the ball | Behind the golfer |
BenQ's formula; BenQ says the projector should sit 2–3 ft behind the hitting area.
Ball distance changes it
What changes when the ball moves?
Set the ball position before committing to a projector mount.
Keep the same screen and projector settings, but move the ball to 8 ft from the screen. This site’s estimate puts the 0.81 projector 2 ft 10 in behind the ball, within BenQ’s recommended range.
The projector’s throw distance has not changed; the golfer’s position has. Check the launch monitor’s requirements before moving the hitting area. Use the room size calculator to review the wider room plan.
| Throw ratio | Throw distance | Projector vs ball | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.50 | 6′ 8″ | 1′ 4″ in front of the ball | In the ball flight |
| 0.69 | 9′ 2″ | 1′ 2″ behind the ball | Above the golfer |
| 0.81 | 10′ 10″ | 2′ 10″ behind the ball | Behind the golfer |
| 1.10 | 14′ 8″ | 6′ 8″ behind the ball | Behind the golfer |
BenQ's formula; BenQ says the projector should sit 2–3 ft behind the hitting area.
Projectors in the shops
What should you budget for the projector?
The median of 28 projectors listed by The Indoor Golf Shop on October 19, 2026, was $1,812. The median of 4 listed by PlayBetter that day was $3,349. These are different shop selections, not like-for-like specifications.
Narrow the projector options by throw ratio and picture shape before comparing prices. A lower price does not solve a mounting conflict.
Use shop medians as budget markers, not evidence that a projector fits.
- The Indoor Golf Shop28 products, median $1,812$599–$6,104
- PlayBetter4 products, median $3,349$2,199–$4,899
- GolfBays8 products, median $2,149$849–$4,898
- Median of all shops: $2,099
| The Indoor Golf Shop | $599–$6,104 |
|---|---|
| PlayBetter | $2,199–$4,899 |
| GolfBays | $849–$4,898 |
From the side
What does the side view reveal?
Check the club path and ball path, not just the projected image.
The side view separates screen distance from swing clearance. A shorter throw can put the projector above the golfer or in front of the ball, even when the picture fits.
Treat the positions as this site’s estimates, not clearance measurements. Check with slow swings first. Ceiling clearance and ball rebound protection remain the owner’s call; the calculator does not promise a safe swing.
Where to check the price
Buttons open the shop in a new tab. Some are partner links: if you buy after clicking, this site may earn a commission at no cost to you. Prices carry the date they were checked.
- BenQUS shop · benq.comShop at BenQ
- EpsonUS shop · epson.comShop at Epson
- The Indoor Golf Shop213 products checked, from $252 · Oct 19, 2026Shop at The Indoor Golf Shop
Readers ask
Answers use the makers’ figures and the dated prices on this page.
What throw ratio suits a home golf simulator?
BenQ describes 0.69–0.89 as a practical balance for standard home simulator setups. Calculate placement using your picture shape and ball distance rather than choosing by that range alone.
Where should a golf simulator projector mount go?
BenQ recommends above and roughly 2–3 ft behind the hitting area. Check the calculated throw position against that target, then check swing clearance with slow swings first.
Does a shorter throw improve golf simulator placement?
Not necessarily. In this site’s estimate for the worked example, the 0.69 projector lands in front of the ball when the ball is 10 ft from the screen. A shorter throw brings the projector closer to the screen, not automatically clear of the golfer.
Can a golf simulator enclosure include a projector mount?
For an enclosure with a projector mount, compare the mount’s position with the calculated throw distance before choosing it. The enclosure does not change the projector’s throw formula or establish swing clearance.
Does aspect ratio affect projector placement?
Yes. BenQ gives different height-based formulas for a 4:3 picture from 16:9 and 16:10 projectors. Enter both the picture and projector aspect ratios so the calculator uses the matching formula.
Sources
- BenQ: Measure Ideal Screen Size and Projection Distance for Your Golf Simulatorbenq.com · checked Oct 17, 2026
- BenQ: Golf Simulator Projector Buying Guide 2026: Budget & Right Fitbenq.com · checked Oct 17, 2026
Partner linksSome shop buttons may earn this site a commission if you buy after clicking, at no cost to you. It never changes the numbers or the order.
Not tested at homeRoom figures are the makers’ own words from their official pages; the swing and room depths are this site’s estimates, not measurements.
Written by AI from saved factsTexts are generated from facts saved with their source and date, then checked by code. See About and How we measure.