Golf Simulator Projector Calculator: Screen Size, Aspect Ratio and Lens Position

Measure the picture—not the enclosure frame

Before comparing projector prices, settle three things: the usable image area, the picture shape and the available lens position. A projector can have enough resolution and still be the wrong purchase if its optical range places the lens where a beam, door track or golfer needs to be.

Write down the visible white-screen width and height, excluding the border and frame. Decide whether you want to fill that area or accept unused screen above, below or beside the image. The SIG10 dimensions guide explains why the enclosure envelope is a different measurement.

Then identify the projector’s native aspect ratio. A 16:9 projector displaying a taller 4:3 picture does not necessarily use its full optical image width. BenQ publishes separate formulas for these cases.

Calculate the distance from the lens

For a full-width native picture, distance equals image width multiplied by throw ratio. For a full-height 4:3 or square picture on a native 16:9 projector, first recover the full optical width from picture height: height × 16 ÷ 9. Then multiply by throw ratio. This calculator implements those cases only.

A zoom range gives an interval, not permission to mount anywhere inside it. The exact model’s focus range, supported image size, image adjustment and mounting requirements still apply. Use the BenQ Golf Sim-room Planner with your selected model and picture shape; its Auto Screen Fit guidance can be narrower than simple optical arithmetic.

Worked example: same width, different answer

BenQ’s US specification lists the AH700ST projector as native 16:9, with a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio and Screen Fill options including 4:3.

The second picture is taller. That is why the lens-distance interval changes even though the visible width remains 10 ft. Do not use these example distances for a different native ratio or a digitally reduced image. This calculator supports native 16:9 projectors.

Pass four checks before choosing a mount

1. Lens reference, not cabinet or bracket. Transfer the model’s documented measuring point into your room plan. A mount’s center is not automatically the lens location; allow for the actual projector body and connections.
2. Vertical and horizontal placement. Read the model’s offset and any optical lens-shift limits. Do not treat digital keystone correction as additional physical lens shift. The AH700ST specification lists 102.5% full-height projection offset; use its installation guidance rather than turning that percentage into a guessed ceiling height.
3. Unobstructed image and swing. Compare the proposed lens position against both handedness needs, your actual swing envelope, launch monitor, lights, door tracks and screen structure. Test the projected image from the intended position before committing to holes. A throw calculation does not certify clearance or eliminate shadows.
4. Signal path and actual image mode. Confirm the computer or tablet output, adapter, projector input and desired resolution. BenQ describes projector Screen Fill and graphics-card custom-resolution approaches; choosing “4:3” does not create more native pixels. Check the exact software/device path you will use.

Compare a separate projector with a complete bundle

A package that already includes a projector may reduce shopping work, but its included model must pass the same placement checks. Our Rapsodo MLM2PRO SimStudio10 example records an Optoma ZW350ST in its selected configuration—not the BenQ used above. Do not transfer the AH700ST’s ratios, aspect assumptions or worked distances to that bundle.

Conversely, the EYE MINI SIG10 example lists the projector as an option in our catalog. Verify the seller’s exact selection and add missing equipment once, not twice, in the full-cost planner. Recheck the configured model and contents before ordering.

Choose based on the constraint that cannot move

Screen already installed: measure its visible area, choose the active image shape and shortlist models whose documented optical interval overlaps a workable lens position.

Lens position constrained by a beam or garage hardware: work backward from that position and the full native optical width to the needed throw ratio. If the range does not overlap, change the model or image plan—not the numbers.

Room still being designed: compare screen, lens and hitting positions together before buying any one component. Next read our room-planning guide; for shared households, also resolve the left/right-handed changeover. A sharper projector cannot fix an unusable room layout.

Sources

Manufacturer documentation checked October 31, 2026.

• BenQ throw-distance formulas
• AH700ST specifications
• BenQ aspect-ratio guidance