What is FOV in Sim Racing — FOV Calculator


Understanding FOV. #

FOV stands for Frame of View; it refers to your frame of view when viewing the world. In Sim racing, the world is simulated, hence we need to match the game’s FOV with your own, this is measured in degrees and adjusts how much of the world is visible to you. Proper FOV settings will ensure that your perception of the sim racing world is correct, in turn ensuring your inputs are more precise.

Take a quick look at the Illustrations below to understand the difference between an incorrect and correctly adjusted FOV.

Example of incorrect FOV
Example of incorrect FOV
Example of correct FOV
Example of correct FOV

How to calculate the correct FOV? #

Now that you understand what FOV is, you might ask: How do I calculate the correct FOV setting for my game and my current setup? Worry not, we are here to help! At the Bottom of this page, you can use the FOV calculator to find the exact settings you’ll need.

You will need to know the following details: #

  • Screen Size: This is the size of your screen, most common sizes are 27” or 32”.
  • Screen Aspect Ratio: Is the ratio of your display’s width to height. Here, 16:9 is the most common, be sure to check yours.
  • Distance to Screen: How far your screen is from your eyes.
  • Number of Screens: One or three monitor setup.
  • Radius of Curve (Optional for Curved monitors): This is the curvature of your display, you can find this info on your monitor’s specification page.
  • Bezel Thickness (Optional for Multiple Screens): Thickness of your screen bezels.


FOV Calculator #

With the above details known, you can use the following calculator to find out the FOV setting you need to use for your sim.

Input
Result
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Parting thoughts #

Once you have your FOV settings adjusted in game, make sure you adjust the height and distance of your in-game camera. 

Please also note that while this FOV calculator is very helpful to find a starting point, everyone is different. A FOV setting that might work for us might not work for you, so feel free to tweak your settings according to your preferences. A few degrees adjusted in either direction is not the end of the world.

Lastly, give your new FOV settings a chance. Right after making the change you might feel uneasy and the game itself might look weird, but after a few laps you will notice the improvement.

With your new FOV dialed in, we hope to see you out on the track. Never Stop Racing!

References #

This FOV calculator is made by one of the brilliant members of Sim Racing community. Please check them out on https://github.com/dinex86/FOV-Calculator


Want to learn more about Sim Racing? Check our Knowledge Base here: https://vtseracing.com/knowledgebase/ 


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