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Get the height right
Best TV Height Guide + Calculator
The single most common mounting mistake is hanging the TV too high. The fix is simple: the center of the screen should sit near your eye level when you are seated. Use the calculator below to get the exact measurement for your TV, then read on for room-by-room guidance.
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The rule: center at seated eye level
For a sofa, the average seated eye level is about 42 inches from the floor. Mount the TV so the center of the screen lands there and you get a comfortable, neck-friendly view. The bigger the TV, the lower its bottom edge sits — which is exactly why oversized TVs mounted "up high" feel wrong.
TV height calculator
Center of screen: 42″ · Screen height: 32″
Based on a 16:9 screen. Allow a little play for the bracket — dry-fit before drilling. For above-fireplace placement, use a tilting mount.
Recommended height by room
| Room | Center of screen from floor |
|---|---|
| Living room (sofa) | ~42" |
| Bedroom (lying down) | 48" – 60", often tilted |
| Kitchen / standing | ~52" – 60" |
| Bar, gym, or counter seating | ~48" – 52" |
These are starting points — your seat height and eye level fine-tune the final number.
The fireplace exception
Above a fireplace the TV almost always ends up higher than ideal. Two things make it work: a tilting mount angled down to reduce neck strain and glare, and confirming the wall above the firebox stays cool enough. If the mantel is high, a TV may be more comfortable on an adjacent wall. More in our above-fireplace mounting service.
How to measure and mark
- Sit where you normally watch and have someone note your eye height from the floor (≈42" on most sofas).
- Measure your TV's screen height and halve it — that is the distance from center to the bottom edge.
- Subtract that half-height from your eye level to find where the bottom of the TV should sit.
- Account for the bracket: on a tilting/full-motion mount the screen sits a little off the wall, so dry-fit before drilling.
Or skip the math — the calculator above does all of this for you.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a TV be mounted?
Mount the TV so the center of the screen is at seated eye level — about 42 inches from the floor for a typical living room sofa.
How high should a 65-inch TV be?
For a 65" TV at 42" center height, the bottom edge sits about 26 inches from the floor. Use the calculator above for your exact TV size.
Is it bad to mount a TV too high?
Yes — a TV mounted too high causes neck strain and a worse picture. If height is unavoidable (e.g. above a fireplace), use a tilting mount angled downward.
How high should a TV be above a fireplace?
As low as the mantel and heat allow, with a tilting mount angled down. If the mantel forces the TV well above eye level, consider an adjacent wall instead.
More guides
Complete TV Mounting Guide
Everything that goes into a clean, safe TV install — planning, walls, brackets, height, wires, cost, and DIY vs pro.
Best TV Mount Type: Fixed vs Tilting vs Full-Motion
Fixed, tilting, or full-motion? A straight comparison of the three TV mount types so you pick the right one the first time.
TV Mounting Cost Guide
Real, current pricing — what TV mounting costs by size, wall type, and bracket, with example totals and how to save.
TV Mounting by Wall Type
Drywall, brick, concrete, stone, wood, and fireplace walls — the right anchors, difficulty, and cost for each.
Get a fast, free quote
Tell us your TV size and wall type — we’ll give you an exact price, usually with a same-day or next-day slot.