Aspect Ratio
Golf Simulator Guide

What is Aspect Ratio?

Depending on the size of your impact screen or projected surface you will need to know the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio tells us the ratio of WIDTH to HEIGHT . The most common aspect ratios you may have seen are 1:1, 4:3, and 16:9.

Aspect Ratios of 1:1 are squares, the height and width are the same. The aspect ratios we are more concerned about, encompass rectangles (4:3, 16:9).

To calculate your aspect ratio take the height and width dimensions of your screen, let's use 8' by 10'6" as an example. Convert your dimensions into inches (96" by 126") and then divide the width by the height.

126 / 96 = 1.3 This means your width is 1.3 times your height.

When we look at our options for aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 16:9) and convert them into decimals, the 4:3 aspect ratio also equals 1.3. This means that a screen that is 8' high and 10'6" wide has a 4:3 aspect ratio.

1:1 Aspect Ratio

Width is the same as the height

4:3 Aspect Ratio

Classic TV (Full Screen) - Width is 1.3 x Height

16:9 Aspect Ratio

Widescreen - Width is 1.77 x Height

Why is this important for golf simulation?

One of the most important components in golf simulation is the projector that you will be using. Every Projector has a Native Aspect Ratio. This is the ratio that is set when you take your projector out of the box. It will be the best setting for your projector, showing both the most amount of pixels as well as the best resolution. You can change the aspect ratio of your projector but in doing so you will lose pixels and decrease resolution. 

Because we want you to get the most out of your screen and golf simulator projector, we recommend matching your projectors native aspect ratio with the screen of your choice. If you have a projector who's native aspect ratio is a 16:9 then we recommend getting a 16:9 screen.  

An important thing to note is that there are no projectors that have a native aspect ratio of 1:1, in order to fit this aspect ratio. you will have to adjust your settings.

Aspect Ratio and Resolution:
1:1  - 1080 x 1080 Resolution 
4:3  - Extended Graphics Array (XGA) Resolution 
16:9  - Wide Extended Graphics Array (WXGA) Resolution 
16:10  - Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array (WUXGA) Resolution

Projectors we recommend

Note: There are no projectors that have a native 1:1 aspect Ratio. You will need to adjust your projector to fit a screen that has a 1:1 aspect ratio using the settings of your selected projector.

4:3 Aspect Ratio

The Projector(s) below have a native aspect ratio of 4:3. Most projectors have the ability to swap aspect ratios. This feature can be found in the settings if the projector has the ability to swap.

Optoma ZH406 Golf Simulator Projector

16:9 Aspect Ratio

The Projector(s) below have a native aspect ratio of 16:9. Most projectors have the ability to swap aspect ratios. This feature can be found in the settings if the projector has the ability to swap.

BenQ LK936ST Golf Simulator Projector

Optoma GT1080 HDRx Short Throw Golf Simulator Projector

16:10 Aspect Ratio

The Projector(s) below have a native aspect ratio of 16:10. Most projectors have the ability to swap aspect ratios. This feature can be found in the settings if the projector has the ability to swap.

Panasonic VMZ51U Golf Simulator Projector

Panasonic PT-VZ580U Golf Simulator Projector