Monitor Distance Calculator for Garden Workspaces

Formula used

• PPI: PPI = √(w² + h²) ÷ diagonal
• Pixel pitch: pitch(in) = 1 ÷ PPI
• Angular model: choose an angle per pixel in arcminutes.
• Distance: distance(in) = pitch ÷ tan(angle)
• Acuity adjustment: angle = 1 arcmin × (denominator ÷ 20)
• Comfort range: min = 0.90× and max = 1.20×

How to use this calculator

1. Enter diagonal size and your resolution.
2. Select your typical corrected visual acuity.
3. Pick your primary task and posture style.
4. Optionally add desk depth and screen tilt.
5. Press calculate and use the distance range.

Screen size and viewing distance in garden offices

Larger displays usually allow a longer viewing distance without losing legibility. A 24-inch screen often feels comfortable around 55–70 cm, while a 32-inch screen can sit near 70–90 cm. In small garden rooms, align your eyes with the top third of the panel and choose a distance that lets you scan corners without head turns.

Resolution, PPI, and pixel pitch impact

The calculator derives PPI from diagonal and resolution, then converts it to pixel pitch. Higher PPI means smaller pixels, which can support closer distances if your vision and scaling allow. Typical values: 24-inch 1080p is about 92 PPI and 27-inch 1440p is about 109 PPI. Increasing UI scaling lets you sit farther while keeping letters readable.

Using visual acuity to refine comfort

Visual acuity changes the angular size needed per pixel. A 20/20 selection models a 1 arcminute threshold, while 20/40 doubles that requirement, often pulling the recommended distance closer. This does not replace an eye exam; it is a practical model of detail you can resolve. Corrective lenses add a small buffer for everyday focusing variability.

Task, posture, and tilt adjustments

Text-heavy work such as planning notes or spreadsheets often benefits from slightly longer distances, while detailed image review may feel better closer. Posture matters: leaning back tends to increase distance needs, while leaning forward reduces them. Tilt does not change geometry, but steep tilt can increase neck strain, so the recommendation is nudged when tilt is high.

Real-world checks for sheds and greenhouses

Use the comfort range as a starting point, then test it: can you read small labels at normal font size and scan the full screen without shoulder rotation? In bright spaces, glare reduces contrast, so increasing distance by 5–10 cm and lowering brightness may help during long potting and design sessions. If desk depth is limited, the tool caps distances so the setup remains workable.

FAQs

Does a higher PPI always mean I should sit closer?

Not always. Higher PPI improves sharpness, but comfort depends on font size, scaling, and your vision. Many users prefer staying in the mid-range and increasing text size for longer sessions.

What if my desk is shallow in a small garden shed?

Enter your desk depth. The calculator caps the range to fit usable depth after allowing space for keyboard and wrists. If capped distances still feel tight, raise the monitor and increase text scaling.

How do I measure monitor distance correctly?

Measure from your eyes to the center of the screen, not to the bezel. Keep your posture normal, then check the distance again after a few minutes to ensure you have not leaned forward.

Why does my selected acuity change the result so much?

Acuity affects the angle needed to resolve fine detail. Lower acuity typically needs larger angular targets, which often means sitting closer or increasing UI scaling so text occupies more pixels.

Is the comfort range safe for long garden planning sessions?

It is a practical starting range. For long sessions, prioritize the far half of the range, take short breaks, and adjust brightness to match ambient light. If discomfort persists, consult a professional.

What settings help reduce glare in greenhouse work areas?

Position the screen perpendicular to windows, use matte finishes when possible, and reduce brightness to a comfortable level. Slightly increasing distance and using larger text can also offset contrast loss from reflections.

Example data table

Recent results (saved in this browser session)