Size guide
What screen size should you choose for your open-air cinema?
The right size depends primarily on the number of spectators and the available space on your site. Here is the reference table we use to advise our customers — the same one that powers our configurator.
Get free adviceSize chart
Matching your audience size to the width of the projection screen, taking into account the actual footprint of the inflated screen. 2026 specifications for our ranges.
| Spectators | Projection screen | Inflated screen (overall dimensions) | Recommended range | Recommended last row |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 viewers | 4,00 m × 2,25 m | 4,26 m × 3,52 m | Airtight | ≈ 24 m |
| 50 to 150 viewers | 6,00 m × 3,38 m | 6,20 m × 5,05 m | Airtight | ≈ 36 m |
| 150 to 500 viewers | 8 m × 4,5 m | 9 m × 6,5 m | Blower | ≈ 48 m |
| 500 to 1,500 viewers | 12 m × 6,8 m | 13 m × 9 m | Blower | ≈ 72 m |
| More than 1,500 viewers | 18 m × 10 m | 20 m × 14 m | Blower | ≈ 108 m |
These are guidelines for an audience seated outdoors. The recommended back row follows the ‘6-screen-width’ rule, as detailed below.
Three simple rules to get it right
The back row at 6 screen widths
Rule of thumb: the furthest viewer should not be more than six times the width of the image away. An 8-metre canvas remains comfortable from a distance of up to around 48 metres.
The first row is 1.5 times the width
If the screen is too close, it strains your neck: make sure the front row is at least one and a half times the width of the screen away.
The space above the image matters
The bottom of the screen is positioned between 0.5 m and 3 m above the ground, depending on the model: the larger the audience, the higher the screen needs to be so that people can see over their heads. At drive-in cinemas, the screen is raised to 3 m to allow rows of cars to pass underneath.
Further reading
Configurator
Find your exact size in 30 seconds: choose your target audience and intended use, and we’ll recommend the right model for you.
Prices & quotes
What determines the price of an inflatable screen, and a free, accurate quote within 24 hours.
Rental
For a one-off event, hiring is a better option than buying. Guide prices by size.
All our ranges
Airtight or blower, with canvases ranging from 2 m to 22 m: a complete guide to our screens.
Screen size: your questions
What screen size is suitable for 100 viewers?
For an audience of 50 to 150 people, a 6-metre-wide screen is a good place to start. This is the standard size for neighbourhood screenings, campsites and hotels.
What about groups of 500 or more?
For audiences of 500 to 1,500 people, aim for a screen measuring around 12 metres. For larger audiences, our giant screens can reach up to 22 metres in size — ideal for festivals and large open spaces.
How can I check if my plot is big enough?
Measure the depth between the front row (1.5 screen widths) and the back row (6 screen widths), plus the overall dimensions of the inflated screen — for example, 8.20 m wide overall for an 8 m screen — and a technical area for ballast and the blower.
And indoors — what ceiling height do you need?
Check that the ceiling height exceeds the overall height of the inflated screen: from 1.86 m to 7.53 m depending on the model in the airtight range, which is best suited for indoor use as it operates silently without a permanent blower.
We’ll help you find the right size — without trying to upsell you
Tell us about your venue and your audience: we’ll recommend the right format and provide a free quote for your project within 24 hours.