Sized by the back row
Make the image height at least one sixth of the distance to the farthest viewer so text stays readable.
Tripod, fast-fold, rear projection, and inflatable
Projector Screens
Tripod, fast-fold front and rear projection, and inflatable outdoor screens in a range of sizes, with dress kits and drapes available.
At a glance
RentOurProjectors.com rents projector screens on their own or with a projector, from small tripod screens for meetings to large fast-fold screens for ballrooms and inflatable screens for outdoor movies. The right screen depends on your audience size, room height, and whether you are projecting from the front or behind. Tell us the space and the event and we will recommend the size and type.
The screen is half of the picture
A good projector aimed at a painted wall or a wrinkled sheet will always look worse than it should. A proper screen gives a flat, evenly reflective surface with crisp black borders, so the image looks brighter, sharper, and more professional. It also gives the audience an obvious focal point in the room.
Tripod screens are freestanding and quick to set up, typically in the 6- to 10-foot range for meetings and small groups. Fast-fold screens use a lightweight frame that snaps together and supports a stretched surface, with common 16:9 sizes such as 7.5x13, 9x16, and 10.5x18 feet. They are the standard for conferences, general sessions, and galas. Inflatable screens set up outdoors with a blower and are built for community screenings, campus events, and outdoor corporate programs.
Most rental screens come in 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratios to match modern projectors and laptops. Screen gain describes how much light the surface reflects compared with a standard white surface. A gain around 1.0 gives even brightness to wide seating areas, while higher gain looks brighter straight on but narrows the best viewing angle.
Typical projector screen options
| Tripod screens | About 6 to 10 feet, for meetings and small groups |
|---|---|
| Fast-fold screens | 16:9 sizes such as 7.5x13, 9x16, and 10.5x18 feet |
| Inflatable outdoor screens | Sized for parks, campuses, and fields; needs a blower and power |
| Aspect ratios | 16:9 and 16:10 |
| Surfaces | Front projection or rear projection |
| Rear projection depth | Often 8 to 15 feet behind the screen, depending on lens |
| Setup time | Minutes for tripod; 30 to 60 minutes for large fast-fold with dress kit |
General guidance. Your quote confirms the exact equipment for your room, audience, and dates. Try the projector calculator for your own numbers.
Screen types we rent
- Tripod screens for meetings and classrooms
- Fast-fold front projection screens
- Fast-fold rear projection screens
- Inflatable outdoor movie screens
- Dress kits, skirts, and side drapes
- Screens paired with projectors and stands
Why it works
Choosing the right screen
Front or rear surface
Rear projection hides the projector and eliminates presenter shadows when you have depth behind the screen.
Dress kits and drapes
Fabric skirts and side drapes cover the frame and legs for a finished look at galas, award programs, and stages.
Outdoor ready
Inflatable screens come with anchoring for a stable, safe setup on grass or pavement.
Planning guide
Sizing and placing a projector screen
Measure the distance from the screen to the farthest seat, divide by about 6, and use that as your minimum image height for presentations. For passive viewing such as video, dividing by 8 is acceptable; for detailed inspection work, divide by 4. Then check ceiling height. A 10.5x18 foot fast-fold screen stands well over 10 feet tall once raised on its legs, so make sure there is room for the screen plus clearance above the audience's heads.
For rear projection, you need open space behind the screen for the projector and its beam. Depending on the lens and screen size, that is often 8 to 15 feet. Keep the space behind the screen dark and closed off with drapes so light and backstage traffic do not show through. Front projection needs less space overall, but the projector must sit where the audience and presenters will not walk through the beam.
Outdoor inflatable screens need a flat area, a nearby power outlet or generator for the blower, and secure anchoring with stakes or weights. Wind is the main concern, so have a plan to deflate the screen if gusts pick up. Start outdoor screenings after sunset for the best picture, and see our outdoor event projection guide for a full planning list.
Availability and exact models vary. Your quote confirms the equipment, accessories, and delivery plan for your dates. Want to go deeper first? Read our projector planning guides or the projector rental FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
What size projector screen do I need for 100 people?
It depends on room depth. If the last row is about 54 feet from the screen, a minimum image height of 9 feet works well, which points to a 9x16 foot fast-fold screen. Shorter rooms can use a smaller screen.
When should I choose a rear projection screen?
Choose rear projection when you want the projector hidden, presenters will stand near the screen, or the stage needs a clean look. You will need roughly 8 to 15 feet of open, dark space behind the screen.
What is a screen dress kit?
A dress kit is a set of fabric drapes that attach to a fast-fold screen frame to cover the legs and edges. It gives the screen a finished, theater-style appearance for formal events.
Does screen gain matter for my event?
For most events, a gain near 1.0 is the safe choice because it looks evenly bright from wide angles. Higher gain surfaces look brighter from the center but dimmer from the sides, which suits long, narrow rooms.
How do inflatable outdoor screens stay up in the wind?
A blower keeps the screen inflated, and the frame is secured with stakes or weights. Even with anchoring, it is wise to deflate the screen if winds become strong.
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Need projector screens for an upcoming event?
Tell us the occasion, audience size, location, and date. We will recommend the right projector, screen, and sound, and send a quote built around your event.