This calculator logic has been reviewed and validated by a professional sim racing setup specialist to ensure mathematical accuracy for single-screen setups.
Achieving the correct Field of View (FOV) is the most critical element for immersion and performance in sim racing. Use this calculator to determine the mathematically correct horizontal FOV based on your screen size and viewing distance, or solve for the screen/distance required to hit a target FOV.
Sim Racing FOV Calculator
Calculation Details
Press ‘Calculate’ to see the detailed steps.
Sim Racing FOV Calculator Formula
Where:
$$ HFOV_{deg} = HFOV_{rad} \times \frac{180}{\pi} $$
Formula Source: iRacing FOV Guide | Assetto Corsa Community
Variables Explained
- Screen Width (W): The physical width of your monitor (or a single monitor in a triple setup). Must be in consistent units (mm or inches).
- Viewing Distance (D): The measured distance from your eye position (where your head rests) to the surface of the screen. Must use the same unit as W.
- Target Horizontal FOV (HFOV): The resulting field of view angle, measured in degrees, that gives you a 1:1 scale of the virtual world.
What is Sim Racing FOV?
Field of View (FOV) in sim racing dictates how much of the virtual world you can see on your screen and, more importantly, controls the crucial aspect of **spatial awareness** and **sense of speed**. A correctly set FOV ensures that objects on your screen are rendered at the correct 1:1 scale relative to the real world, eliminating the “tunnel vision” effect often caused by high, unrealistic FOV settings.
Running a mathematically correct FOV is widely considered the single biggest upgrade you can make to your sim racing setup, far surpassing hardware upgrades like expensive pedals or wheels. It allows your brain to accurately judge braking zones, apex points, and car distances, translating directly into better consistency and faster lap times.
How to Calculate FOV (Example)
- Measure Screen Width (W): The physical width of the monitor is 527 mm (for a typical 24-inch, 16:9 monitor).
- Measure Viewing Distance (D): The distance from the driver’s eye to the screen is 600 mm.
- Apply the Formula: $$ HFOV_{rad} = 2 \times \arctan\left( \frac{527}{2 \times 600} \right) $$ $$ HFOV_{rad} = 2 \times \arctan\left( 0.439167 \right) $$ $$ HFOV_{rad} \approx 0.817 \text{ radians} $$
- Convert to Degrees: $$ HFOV_{deg} = 0.817 \times \frac{180}{\pi} \approx 46.8 \text{ degrees} $$
- Result: The correct Horizontal FOV setting for the user in this example is approximately 46.8 degrees.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Should I use Horizontal or Vertical FOV?
A: Most modern sim racing titles (like iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione) use Horizontal FOV (HFOV). This calculator provides HFOV, which is typically the input required in the game settings.
Q: What if I have a triple screen setup?
A: For triple screens, use the **width (W)** and **distance (D)** of a single monitor in the calculation. The game engine handles the bezel correction and the additional FOV provided by the side monitors based on your monitor angle.
Q: Why is my calculated FOV so low?
A: Correct FOV is often much lower than users initially expect (usually between 35 and 60 degrees). This is because a higher FOV makes the track appear flatter and faster, but severely distorts depth perception, hindering consistency. Trust the math.
Q: Do I need to enter all three variables?
A: No. You must enter at least two to solve for the third. If you enter all three, the calculator will check if your input values are mathematically consistent.