How far from the computer screen is it recommended to sit?

112,790

Solution 1

This page which turned up on a search for "ideal distance from computer monitor" states:

viewing distance - the monitor should be at a comfortable horizontal distance for viewing, which usually is around an arms length (sit back in your chair and raise your arm and your fingers should touch the screen). At this distance you should be able to see the viewing area of the monitor without making head movements. If text looks too small then either use a larger font or magnify the screen image in the software rather than sitting closer to the monitor.

Which isn't definitive, but does raise the good point about adjusting the screen resolution and/or font sizes rather than moving closer to (or further from) the screen.

Solution 2

I've asked the same question before. It appears the "one arm rule" to be in place. However I tend to disagree for larger displays like 20+". Wikipedia also has a nice article about calculating viewing angles, distances and field of view.

And my own adapted rule for screens above 14" is: distance = 1.5 * screen diagonal.

Solution 3

Here's a nice visual representation of guidelines:

This seems to agree with some of the other answers here, but some people find a visual easier to grok.

Source: https://stari.co/tv-monitor-viewing-distance-calculator

112,790

Jonas

I'm a Computer Science student.

Updated on September 17, 2022

Comments

Jonas almost 2 years

I would like to know if there is any recommendations about how far from the computer screen it is good (healthy) to sit when I work in front of the computer long days. In an ergonomic perspective.
- Admin about 14 years
  
  For those voting to close as off-topic, I do find this a useful topic and made it Community Wiki since I don't expect anyone to post scientific evidence for the correct postion and location behind a computer ;-)
- Admin about 14 years
  
  @Ivo: very similar to (possible duplicate of) superuser.com/questions/133639/…
- Admin about 14 years
  
  @quack: Meeh I should just create one CW question about ergonomics and put everything in it. Everyone asks the same in a slightly different manner :-(
harrymc about 14 years

You're in urgent need of seeing the eye-doctor and may need special eyeglasses for working with computer screens. You may also expose yourself to excessive electromagnetic radiation.
perezbarea about 14 years

Hey Harrymc. I actully have glasses for distance but dont wear them very often. I find it most comfortable to sit close to the screen as do many others. Cheers
Sasha Chedygov over 13 years

This is terrible advice. You should wear your glasses when you're on the computer instead of frying your eyes.
bernk over 9 years

I tend to agree with the arm's length suggestion, but the average adult arm is a lot longer than 30 cm (which is only 1' or 12"). My arms are at least double that.
MU'men Ahmed almost 7 years

That would put me 40" away from my 27" Dell! No way, that's too far.
Ciprian Tomoiagă over 6 years

I'd actually prefer more of an overview of my 27" monitor, so at least 1m away from it. Otherwise, I find it a bit difficult to change focus from one side to another
Moby Disk over 5 years

This is a nice graph, but distance should be based on screen size (AKA field of view) and screen brightness, not resolution. This looks like it is designed to justify 4k displays rather than to provide any real insight.
StayOnTarget over 5 years

@MobyDisk it does show the screen size but you may well be right about resolution vs. brightness.