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.

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Size 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
20 to 50 spectators	14 × 8 ft	15 × 12 ft	Airtight	≈ 105 ft
50 to 100 spectators	20 × 12 ft	22 × 17 ft	Airtight	≈ 158 ft
90 to 200 spectators	27 × 15 ft	32 × 23 ft	Blower	≈ 210 ft
250 to 600 spectators	40 × 23 ft	46 × 33 ft	Blower	≈ 315 ft
800 to 2,500 spectators	60 × 33 ft	68 × 45 ft	Blower	≈ 473 ft

These are guidelines for an audience seated outdoors. The recommended back row follows the ‘8-screen-width’ rule, as detailed below.

Three simple rules to get it right

The back row at 8 screen widths

Rule of thumb: the furthest viewer should not be more than 8 times the width of the image away. For a canvas 27 ft wide, the back row remains comfortable up to around 210 ft.

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 1.5 times the width of the screen away, that is 40 ft for a canvas 27 ft wide.

The space above the image matters

The bottom of the screen is positioned between 1.7 ft and 10 ft 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 10 ft to allow rows of cars to pass underneath.

Screen size: your questions

What screen size for around a hundred viewers?

A 20-foot-wide screen is a good place to start: it is the standard size for neighborhood screenings, campsites and hotels. Our recommended audience for this screen: 50 to 100 spectators.

And for a very large audience?

Aim for a screen of around 40 ft. Beyond that, our giant screens go up to 73 ft — ideal for festivals and large open spaces. Our recommended audience: 250 to 600 spectators for a 40-foot screen, 1,000 to 5,000 spectators for a 73-foot screen.

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 (8 screen widths), plus the overall dimensions of the inflated screen — for example, 27 ft wide overall for an 27 ft 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 7 to 25 ft depending on the model in the airtight range, which is best suited for indoor use as it operates silently without a permanent blower.