SimRigBuild FAQ
Guidance for using the Screen Planner, choosing displays, and dialing in FOV. Each section groups related topics so you can jump straight to the answers you need.
FOV in Sim Racing
Understand how realistic FOV transforms racecraft, when to adjust it, and how the Screen Planner (FOV Calculator) keeps values synced across sims.
FOV (Field of View) is the angle of vision the sim renders on your display. When it matches real-world sightlines you gain:
- Reliable speed perception so braking points arrive when you expect.
- Accurate depth cues that make corner apexes and traffic easier to judge.
- Life-sized scaling that keeps the wheel, dash, and mirrors feeling natural.
The correct FOV simply feels right: cockpit elements stay life-sized and the horizon sits where it does in your rig.
- Too low: tunnel vision, cramped side windows, and muted speed.
- Too high: back-seat sensation and difficulty reading distance.
A realistic FOV might feel strange if you have been running an exaggerated setting.
- Drive several sessions to let your brain recalibrate.
- Track lap consistency instead of raw pace during the adjustment phase.
- If you experiment, stay within about 10 percent of the recommendation from the Screen Planner (FOV Calculator).
Those guardrails keep the view life-sized while you adapt.
H-FOV measures the angle from left to right, while V-FOV measures top to bottom. Sims choose different standards:
- Assetto Corsa and Le Mans Ultimate expect vertical values.
- iRacing and Automobilista 2 ask for horizontal FOV.
The FOV Calculator outputs both values and labels which one to enter so you always paste the correct number.
Yes. Every sim handles FOV in its own way, from slider caps to alternate math.
- The Screen Planner lists per-game targets for titles like iRacing, ACC, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, and Le Mans Ultimate.
Screen Planner
Walk through the FOV Calculator workflow, gather accurate measurements, and make the most of the visualizer and comparison tools.
Open the Screen Planner (FOV Calculator) and work through the steps:
- Enter screen details: Pick single or triple and add diagonal size plus aspect ratio.
- Set viewing distance: Measure eye-to-center spacing with the seat in driving position.
- Configure layout: Choose flat or curved, then dial in curvature radius or side angles.
- Review results: Study the visualizer for FOV, monitor angles, and rig dimensions.
- Apply in-game: Copy the title-specific FOV and measurements into your sims.
Grab a tape measure before opening the planner:
- Screen size: Viewable diagonal in inches (bezels excluded).
- Viewing distance: Eye-to-center spacing in centimeters.
- Bezel width: One side of a triple monitor in millimeters.
- Curvature radius: Panel spec such as 1000R or 1800R.
Having those numbers ready keeps Screen Planner data entry quick and consistent.
Open the Screen Planner comparison view to stack presets side by side, then:
- Duplicate your baseline configuration.
- Tweak screen size, distance, or layout options.
- Watch how FOV, angles, and footprint change before committing to hardware.
Yes, the Screen Planner is a comprehensive FOV calculator designed specifically for sim racing setups. It calculates:
- Optimal FOV values for your screen size and seating distance.
- Game-specific FOV settings for iRacing, ACC, Automobilista 2, and more.
- Triple monitor angles and footprint measurements.
Beyond basic FOV calculation, it also provides rig visualization and comparison tools to help you plan your complete sim racing display setup.
The Screen Planner calculates PPD (Pixels Per Degree) using this formula:
PPD = PPI × distance_in_inches × (π / 180)
Where:
- PPI is the pixel density of your panel (calculated from resolution and diagonal size)
- distance_in_inches is your eye-to-screen distance
- (π / 180) converts degrees to radians
Why This Approach?
This method measures pixel density per degree of viewing angle at the screen center, which represents the actual visual quality you experience while looking straight ahead.
Some PPD calculators divide total pixels by total field of view angle. That approach averages density across the entire display, including peripheral areas where pixel density appears different due to viewing angle and distance.
Consistency Across Setups
Our formula works identically for:
- Flat screens: Distance measured to panel center
- Curved screens: Distance measured to panel center (same reference point)
- Triple setups: PPD represents the center screen where you’re actively looking
This gives you a reliable metric for comparing visual sharpness across different configurations.
The Screen Planner calculates the recommended side monitor angle by positioning each side screen so your viewing distance stays consistent across the entire panel.
The Key Principle
Imagine drawing a line from your eye to the inner edge of the side monitor, then another to the outer edge. The optimal angle makes these distances as equal as possible—essentially making the side monitor more perpendicular to your line of sight.
This approach:
- Minimizes distortion: Equal viewing distance means pixels appear uniform across the screen
- Maximizes coverage: Side monitors fill your peripheral vision without wasted angles
- Reduces eye strain: No extreme angles that make text or objects hard to read
What the Planner Considers
The calculation uses:
- Screen width: Physical panel dimensions
- Bezel spacing: Gap between center and side monitors
- Viewing distance: Your eye-to-screen measurement
- Curvature: Adjusted geometry for curved panels
Manual Override
The recommended angle is geometrically optimal for most setups, but you can switch to manual mode if desk space or mounting hardware limits your angle options.
The Screen Planner calculates horizontal FOV for triple monitors by measuring the total angular span across all three screens from your eye position.
Horizontal FOV Calculation
The planner:
- Calculates edge coordinates: Determines the outer left and right edges of the side panels in world space
- Measures angular span: Computes the angle from your eye to each outer edge
- Accounts for side angles: Adjusts geometry based on how the side panels are angled toward you
- Includes bezel contribution: Adds the angular width of bezels between panels
This gives you the true horizontal field of view your setup provides, which is critical for configuring in-game FOV settings correctly.
Side Panel Impact
The angle of your side panels significantly affects total FOV:
- Sharper angles (more aggressive) increase horizontal FOV but may introduce distortion
- Shallower angles (more conservative) reduce total FOV but maintain better image geometry
- The recommended angle balances these trade-offs based on your viewing distance
Vertical FOV
Vertical FOV is calculated from the center screen only, using the panel height and your viewing distance. This represents the vertical field of view you experience while looking straight ahead.
Curved Panels
For curved setups, the calculation uses the chord length and adjusted depth to account for the arc geometry, ensuring accurate FOV measurements.