Short Throw vs Long Throw Projectors Explained

When you first start shopping for projectors, it’s easy to think that all projectors are created equal. Then you start digging into things and notice that there are some drastic and noticeable differences. For example, you can choose between a short throw and a long throw projector. What is the difference? Let’s see in the guide below.

Understanding the Meaning of Throw
Your first question might be, what does throw mean? Basically, it is a way of describing the distance that a projector needs to be from the display surface to be able to generate a screen of a particular size. A long throw projector needs to be farther away from the screen to generate an image that is of the same size that a short throw projector can generate from closer up.

The distance that a projector needs to be away from the screen to create a particular size image is based on the projector’s lens. Long throw projectors are going to be cheaper than short throw projectors because short throw projectors require higher quality lens, therefore more expensive, glass to make them work.



The Difference between Short Throw and Long Throw Projectors

Long Throw Projectors
A long throw projector is going to need six feet or more of available space from where you place the projector to where the screen is in order to create a 100 inch screen size. There are a number of benefits to longer lenses. The first benefit we have already discussed, which is the relatively inexpensive price. The second benefit is how well they work in large spaces, like an exhibition, a house of worship, or an outdoor theater. If your home has a large room, a long throw projector will make for an amazing home theater. Long throw projectors are not that great if you are in a small room. The closer you bring the projector to the wall, the more the projected image shrinks.

Short Throw Projectors
Conversely, a short throw projector is able to create a large picture from a short distance. You can get a 100 inch image from as little as four feet or less away from the screen. The biggest benefit of purchasing a short throw projector is obvious, less room between the projector and screen means less room for people and objects to obstruct the projector’s light.



A short throw projector is perfect for people who live in homes that have limited square footage. However, you should expect to spend more for a short throw projector than what you would spend for its long throw counterpart. Most short throw projectors can also double up for home theater goodness and also gaming.

Ultra Short Throw Projectors
These are another level of projector. They are able to create images of up to 100 inches while being only 15 inches away from the projected surface. Because of their expense, ultra short throw projectors are most commonly used in commercial enterprises. If you can afford one, they are useful in small homes or apartments.

Which Option Is Right for You?
In order to answer this question, you have to look at your priorities. If your primary priority is price, then a long throw projector may be the right option for you. Of course, the long throw projector is not going to produce good results in a smaller environment. One of the biggest complaints that people have about long throw projectors is how easy it is for someone to walk in front of the projector’s light and ruin the show for everyone.

If space is your primary concern, then a short throw or an old truck short throw projector is going to be right for you. These are excellent options for a sitting room set up. However, short throw projectors use specialized technology. They are designed to work in small environments. They do not work well when you try to use them in larger or open environments. For example, a short throw projector is not going to do a good job of projecting images outside of the home theater. If you are looking for something that is going to be a little bit more flexible, then the long throw projector may be your best bet.

Additional Options to Consider
Once you determine the throw distance for your projector, you can look at some of the other options it offers. For example, you want to make sure that the projector you are using has the inputs so that you can connect your projector to things like your computer, your Blu-ray player, your video game console, or any audio equipment you may use.

Are you planning on using the projector in a room that is relatively dark? Then you may be okay with a projector that has as little as 1500 lm. However, if you are looking at using your projector in an area that has a lot of ambient light, then you may do better using a projector that has 2500 lm or more. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the projector will be.

If you are looking at a long throw projector, it’s likely that you are going to want to mount it on the ceiling. Do not take it for granted that all projectors can be mounted this way. And even if the projector you are considering has been designed to be mounted on the ceiling, it may not have the accessories needed to accomplish this task. So make sure that you check and double check what you are getting.

Projectors come with different forms of projection. Options include LCD, DLP, and LED. The option you choose will determine the brightness as well as the brilliance of the colors of the projector. Are you looking for a projector that can connect to your smart device or work with automation? Make sure the projector you select has these options available.

As with all things connected to technology, the price of projectors is consistently falling. This means that you can reasonably afford a projector of a higher quality than you could have afforded a few years ago. Take your time, and do your due diligence. You will be able to find the projector that is right for you.

As always, we appreciate hearing from you. What do you think of our review? Are you using a short throw, ultra short throw, or a long throw projector? If so, let us know about your experience in the comments section below.