Short Throw vs Long Throw Projectors: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?

Intro​

Whether you’re creating a home theater or upgrading your office setup, choosing the right projector can significantly impact your viewing experience. One of the key decisions is choosing between a short throw and a long throw projector—but what exactly do these terms mean, and which one is best for your space?

In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between short throw, standard throw, and long throw projectors, their pros and cons, and help you determine which one suits your needs.

What Is a Throw Ratio?​

Before we dive into the types, let’s first define throw ratio. Throw ratio refers to the distance a projector must be placed from the screen to produce a specific image size.

Formula: Throw Ratio = Distance from Screen / Width of Image

• A lower throw ratio means the projector can create a large image from a short distance.
• A higher throw ratio requires more space between the projector and screen to achieve the same image size.

Types of Projectors by Throw Ratio​

Ultra Short Throw Projectors: Overview​

Ultra short throw (UST) projectors have a throw ratio between 0.1 and 0.4, allowing them to project a large image from just inches away from the screen or wall.

Advantages:

• Perfect for tight spaces
• Sleek, furniture-top installation
• Minimal wiring or ceiling mounts
• Great TV replacement

Disadvantages:

• More expensive
• Requires very flat projection surface for best quality

Popular Use Cases:

modern living rooms, small apartments, dedicated home theaters with minimal installation space

What Is a Short Throw Projector?​

A short throw projector has a throw ratio of 0.4 to 1.0. This means it can be placed very close to the screen and still project a large, clear image.

Advantages:

• Space-saving: Perfect for small rooms or tight spaces.
• Reduced shadows: Because it’s close to the screen, you won’t block the image by walking in front of it.
• Easy wall or tabletop setup: No need for ceiling mounting.
• Ideal for home entertainment: Especially in apartments or bedrooms.

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost per lumen: They tend to be more expensive than longer throw models.
• More prone to lens distortion if not aligned properly.
• Not ideal for very large spaces.

Popular Use Cases:

• Small living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Gaming setups
• Classrooms or offices with limited space

Standard Throw Projectors: Overview​

Most popular home projectors today fall into this category. With throw ratios between 1.0 and 1.5, these offer a balanced combination of flexibility, ease of setup, and value.

Advantages:

• Work well in most home and bedroom environments
• Easy to set up on shelves or tables
• Balanced image size vs. distance

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for ultra-tight or massive rooms

Use cases:

bedrooms, small home theaters, renters, casual viewers

What Is a Long Throw Projector?​

A long throw projector typically has a throw ratio of 1.5 or higher. These projectors are designed to be placed far from the screen—ideal for large spaces.

Advantages:

• Better suited for large venues or open spaces.
• Lower cost for brightness and image quality at scale.

Disadvantages:

• Requires more room: Needs a longer throw distance.
• Higher risk of shadows if people walk between the projector and screen.
• Usually needs ceiling mounting for optimal performance.

Popular Use Cases:

• Conference rooms
• Auditoriums
• Home theaters with ample space
• Outdoor projection

Product Recommendations by Throw Type​

Ultra Short Throw Projectors (0.1 – 0.4:1)​

VAVA 4K UST Laser Projector

• Throw Ratio: 0.233:1
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Brightness: 2500 ANSI lumens
• Highlights: Sleek design, built-in soundbar, HDR 10 support
• Best for: Replacing a TV in tight living spaces
• Price on Amazon: $1996

LG HU915QE CineBeam

• Throw Ratio: 0.19:1
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Brightness: 3700 ANSI lumens
• Highlights: premium laser engine, webOS 6.0 built-in
• Best for: High-end UST home cinema setups
• Price on Amazon: $4989

Short Throw Projectors (0.4 – 1.0:1)​

BenQ TH671ST

• Throw Ratio: 0.69 – 0.83:1
• Resolution: 1080p Full HD
• Brightness: 3000 ANSI Lumens
• Highlights: low input lag, 3000 lumens, gaming optimized
• Best for: Gamers, small home theater setups, classrooms
• Price on Amazon: $949

Optoma GT1080HDR

• Throw Ratio: 0.5:1
• Resolution: 1080p with HDR support
• Brightness: 3800 Lumens
• Highlights: ultra-low input lag (8.4ms), short throw gaming beast
• Best for: Small rooms, fast-paced video or gaming environments
• Price on Amazon: $897

Standard Throw Projectors (1.0 – 1.5:1)​

Dangbei Mars Pro 2

• Throw Ratio: 1.27:1
• Resolution: 4K UHD
• Brightness: 2450 ISO lumens
• Highlights: Laser engine, Netflix built-in, Dolby Audio
• Best for: Premium home theater setups
• Price on Amazon: $1299

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Dangbei Freedo

• Throw Ratio: 1.2:1
• Resolution: 1080p Full HD
• Brightness: 450 ISO Lumens
• Highlights: Google TV built-in, portable, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
• Best for: Bedroom setups, casual viewers, renters
• Price on Amazon: $399

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Long Throw Projectors (1.5:1 and above)​

Epson Home Cinema 3800

• Throw Ratio: 1.32 – 2.15
• Resolution: 4K PRO-UHD
• Brightness: 3000 lumens
• Best for: Large rooms, permanent setups
• Price on Amazon：$1662

How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs​

Ask yourself these questions:

1.How big is your room?

Small = short throw

Large/open = long throw

2.Do you have space to mount it far away from the screen?

If not, go with short throw.

3.Are you setting up a portable or fixed installation?

Short throw works great for tabletop setups.

Long throw is ideal for ceiling-mounted, permanent setups.

4.Are shadows a concern?

In classrooms or living rooms, short throw avoids silhouette issues.

Conclusion​

Choosing the right throw type depends on your room layout and usage style. While ultra short and short throw projectors offer unique advantages, most home users will find standard throw projectors like Dangbei Mars Pro 2 or Freedo to be the perfect balance of size, performance, and convenience. Always check the throw ratio and consider your space before you buy!

In either case, make sure to check the throw ratio of any model before purchasing—and consider how your room layout and usage habits affect your ideal choice.

FAQ: Common Questions About Throw Distance and Projectors​

My room is only 2 meters deep. What kind of projector can I use?

If your space is limited to around 2 meters (about 6.5 feet), you’ll want to look for:

A Short Throw Projector with a throw ratio under 1.0 (e.g., Optoma GT1080HDR)

Or an Ultra Short Throw (UST) Projector like the VAVA 4K Laser, which can sit just inches from the wall

These options let you project a large image (80–120”) from a very short distance.

Visual Guide: Throw Distance vs Image Size

This chart shows the approximate minimum throw distance required to project a 100” image for different types of projectors:

UST: ~0.2m

Short Throw: ~1m

Standard Throw: ~2.5m

Long Throw: ~4.5m or more

Tip: Always check the throw ratio and calculate your available space before choosing a projector.

Can an ultra short throw projector fully replace a TV?

Yes, in many cases a UST projector can replace a traditional TV, especially if:

You want a minimalist, big-screen experience (100”+)

Your room supports dim lighting or you use an ALR screen

You don’t need it for 24/7 daytime viewing in bright sunlight

Is a standard throw projector okay for a small room?

Yes, as long as you measure the distance carefully. For example:

A projector with a 1.2:1 throw ratio placed 2.4 meters (about 8 ft) from the wall will produce a 2-meter wide image (~90” diagonal).

Dangbei Mars Pro 2 or Freedo can both work well in modestly sized rooms.

If you have less than 2.5m distance, short throw or UST models will give you more flexibility.