Sim Racing monitor distance and FOV: The setup change that makes everything feel real

If your sim racing view feels ‘off’, it’s usually not the graphics. It’s monitor distance and FOV.

Get these right and the car suddenly feels the right size, corners make sense, and your braking points become easier to judge.

Why distance matters before FOV

FOV is math. Distance is reality. If the monitor is too far away, even correct FOV will feel small and slow. Bring the screen closer first, then calculate FOV.

A simple setup process

• Step 1: Sit in driving posture (don’t lean forward).
• Step 2: Move the monitor as close as practical—often just behind the wheelbase.
• Step 3: Set the monitor so the horizon is near eye level.
• Step 4: Calculate/set in-game FOV based on screen size and distance.
• Step 5: Adjust in small steps if needed, but avoid ‘guessing’ huge changes.

Common mistakes

• Too far, too wide: distant monitor + wide FOV feels like driving a toy car.
• Too close, too narrow: tunnel vision and poor awareness.
• Monitor too high: neck strain and worse apex judgment.

A stand makes this easier

A dedicated monitor stand lets you place the screen correctly and keep it stable—even with direct drive and bass shakers.

• Single/ultrawide stand option: SimXPro single screen stand
  

Correct FOV doesn’t just look better—it drives better. Your inputs get calmer because your brain stops fighting the visuals.