How Much Room Do You Need for a Golf Simulator
Setting up a home golf simulator is an exciting investment that promises year-round practice and entertainment. But before you start shopping for launch monitors and impact screens, there's one critical question you need to answer: do you have enough space?
I've helped hundreds of golfers design their dream simulator setups, and space planning is where most people either set themselves up for success or encounter frustrating limitations. The good news? With proper measurements and smart planning, you can create an incredible indoor golf experience in almost any room.
TL;DR:
Quick Answer: The ideal golf simulator room is 10 feet high, 14 feet wide, and 18 feet deep. Most golfers can work with 9 feet high, 12 feet wide, and 15 feet deep. Even compact spaces of 8.5 feet high, 10 feet wide, and 12 feet deep can work with the right equipment.
Key Takeaways:
- Ceiling height is the most critical measurement—9-10 feet minimum for drivers
- Camera-based launch monitors (SkyTrak, Bushnell) need only 10-15 feet depth
- Radar-based launch monitors (Mevo+, Garmin R10) require 18-21 feet depth
- Test your space: Swing your driver in the room before buying equipment
- Measure twice, buy once: Your space dictates which technology will work
Not sure if your space works? Scroll down for detailed measurements, launch monitor requirements, and space-saving solutions for tight rooms.
Understanding the Importance of Space in Golf Simulator Setup
Space isn't just about fitting equipment into a room, it's about creating an environment where you can swing naturally, track shots accurately, and enjoy the game without constantly worrying about hitting walls or ceilings.
When you measure your space correctly, you ensure:
- Full, unrestricted swings with every club in your bag
- Accurate shot tracking from your launch monitor
- Safety for both you and your equipment
- Realistic ball flight visualization with proper screen distance
- Comfortable viewing experience for you and guests
The key is understanding exactly what you need before you buy a single piece of equipment.
Measuring Your Space For An Indoor Golf Simulator
Before you get excited about launch monitor specs, grab a tape measure. The space dictates the technology you can use, not the other way around.
Can My Space Fit a Golf Simulator?
The general benchmark for a comfortable golf simulator setup is:
10 feet high (ceiling height)
14 feet wide
18 feet deep
However, functional setups can work in spaces as small as:
8.5 feet high
10 feet wide
15 feet deep
Here's your first action step: Take your longest club, typically your driver, to the space you're considering. Make several slow-motion practice swings. If you can complete a full swing without tension or altering your natural motion, you're off to a good start.
Indoor Golf Simulator Dimensions
How Tall Ceiling for Golf Simulator
Ceiling height is arguably the most important measurement. The absolute minimum is 8 feet, but this severely limits your club selection. For any realistic simulator experience, you'll need at least 9 feet, with 10 feet being the ideal standard.
How to Determine How Much Ceiling Height You Need
Don't just rely on general recommendations. Here's the process I recommend:
- Measure Your Swing Height: Take a slow backswing with your driver against a wall and mark where the club tip reaches
- Add a Safety Buffer: Add 6-9 inches above your highest swing point
- Consider Equipment Overhead: Factor in ceiling-mounted launch monitors or projectors
- Account for Multiple Users: Measure the tallest person's swing who will use the simulator
Recommended Ceiling Height for Indoor Golf Simulator
For Golfers Under 5'6":
Driver: 9 feet minimum
Irons/Wedges: 8.5 feet minimum
For Golfers 5'6" to 6':
Driver: 9.5 feet minimum
Irons/Wedges: 9 feet minimum
For Golfers Over 6':
Driver: 10 feet or more
Irons/Wedges: 9.5 feet minimum
The Height of the Golfer
Taller golfers typically use longer clubs, have higher swing apex points, and need more vertical clearance. I worked with a 6'4" golfer who tried a 9-foot basement but constantly felt restricted. Moving to a 10.5-foot garage space dramatically improved his comfort and practice quality.
The Positioning of the Projector
Your projector needs to be positioned above the player to avoid shadows, at the correct throw distance, and out of the swing path. Short throw projectors can be positioned within 10 feet of the screen and are ideal for rooms with lower ceilings. Standard throw projectors need more mounting height and distance.
The Size of the Simulator
Standard enclosures range from 8-12 feet wide and 10-15 feet deep, with heights of 9-10 feet. Your ceiling needs to accommodate the enclosure plus mounting hardware and any ceiling-mounted equipment.
Dealing with Limited Ceiling Height
Working with a ceiling lower than ideal? Consider:
- Compact simulator designs specifically engineered for low ceilings
- Retractable screens that can be adjusted when not in use
- Ceiling-mounted launch monitors that maximize floor space
- Limiting club selection to mid-irons through wedges in very low spaces
- Removing dropped ceiling tiles to gain precious inches
How Wide Should Be My Golf Simulator
- Minimum width: 10 feet allows a single golfer to swing with an offset tee position.
- Comfortable width: 12-13 feet provides breathing room and accommodates larger enclosures.
- Ideal width: 14 feet allows you to center the tee, making it easy to accommodate both right and left-handed golfers without adjustments.
How Deep Should Be My Golf Simulator
The ideal depth of 18 feet breaks down as:
12-16 inches behind the impact screen (wall protection)
10-12 feet from tee to impact screen
7 feet behind the tee (swing clearance)
Minimum functional depth varies by launch monitor:
Camera-based systems: Can work in 10-12 feet total
Overhead systems: Typically require 14-18 feet
Radar-based systems: Need 15-21 feet depending on model
Space Requirement for Each Part of a Golf Simulator
Space Needed for Golf Simulator Projectors
Short throw projectors can be positioned within 10 feet of the screen, ideal for smaller spaces and reducing shadows. Standard throw projectors require 10+ feet and may need positioning behind the player.
My recommendation: Budget for a short throw projector if your depth is under 16 feet. The added cost is worth the flexibility.
SHOP SHORT THROW PROJECTOR FOR GOLF SIMULATOR
How Far Away from the Screen for a Golf Simulator?
Recommended distance: 10-12 feet from tee to screen provides adequate ball flight time, safe stopping distance, and comfortable viewing. Minimum distance: 8 feet can work with camera-based launch monitors, but you'll notice reduced immersion and potentially compromised data accuracy.
How Much Space Do I Need for Golf Simulator Enclosures
Standard enclosures require:
Side clearance: At least 6 inches on each side
Rear clearance: 12-16 inches between screen and back wall
Width: 8-14 feet depending on model
Depth: 10-16 feet depending on model
Space Requirements for Golf Simulator Launch Monitors
Launch monitor space requirements vary significantly by technology type:
Click here to read "how accurate are golf simulators?"
How Much Room Do You Need for Uneekor EYE XO, EYE XO2, EYE XR, EYE Mini:
EYE (XO/XO2):
- Launch monitor placement: 9-10 feet high from ground, 3.5 feet in front of the tee
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all direction for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10.5 feet
EYE XR:
- Launch monitor placement: 9-10 feet high from the ground, 3.5 feet behind the tee
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10.5 feet
EYE Mini: Does not have a specific requirement. Try to follow a general requirement mentioned below
- Launch monitor placement: On the floor besides the ball
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
How Much Room Do You Need for Rapsodo MLM2Pro Launch Monitor
- Launch monitor placement: 6.5-8.5 feet behind the ball
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: Minimum 8 feet. Recommended 13 feet from ball
- Recommended ceiling height: 9 feet
A recommended room size of: 10 ft wide, 21.5 ft deep, 9 ft tall
If you're short of space, you can get away with: 14.5 feet deep room. Place MLM2Pro 6.5ft behind the ball and 8ft from ball to the screen. But this may compromise on accuracy.
How Much Room Do You Need for Foresight Sports GCHawk, GCQuad, GC3, Falcon
GC3/GCQuad:
- Launch monitor placement: Besides the ball, on the floor
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-19 feet
GCHawk/Falcon:
- Launch monitor placement: 9.5-10.5 feet high. 4 feet in front of the tee
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
SHOP FORESIGHT SPORTS LAUNCH MONITOR
How Much Room Do You Need for FlightScope Mevo+ & Mevo Gen2
- Launch monitor placement: 8 feet behind the ball. No need to move the launch monitor whether you hit with left or right hand
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
SHOP FLIGHTSCOPE GOLF LAUNCH MONITOR
How Much Room Do You Need for Full Swing KIT Launch Monitor
- Launch monitor placement: 10 feet behind the tee. Tour-level technology, so require substantial space. The more space the better
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
How Much Room Do You Need for Bushnell Launch Pro
- Launch monitor placement: On the floor besides the ball
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
How Much Room Do You Need for Garmin R50, R10
R50:
- Launch monitor placement: On the floor beside the ball at 1.5 feet
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
R10:
- Launch monitor placement: 6-8 feet behind the ball
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
How Much Room Do You Need for SkyTrak Launch Monitor
Camera-based: Follow general space requirement instructions
Our #1 recommendation for basement and compact spaces. Exceptional value and minimal space requirements.
- Launch monitor placement: Slightly forward of the ball, on the floor
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
How Much Room Do You Need for Trackman iO
Premium option with strict requirements.
- Launch monitor placement: 9'4"-10' high. 3'3"-3'5" in front of the tee. Must hit from a green turf which is 6' deep x 5' wide
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
How Much Room Do You Need for Golfin IDRA 2 Overhead Launch Monitor
Overhead camera: Mount 8.25-10 feet high, 3-4 feet in front of tee. Mid-tier pricing with overhead convenience.
- Launch monitor placement: 99 inches to 120 inches high. 47 3/4 - 57 7/8 inches in front of the tee
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
How Much Room Do You Need for RSG Pro, One
RSG Pro:
- Launch monitor placement: 9-10.5 feet high
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
RSG One:
- Launch monitor placement: 6 feet behind the ball
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
SHOP OPTISHOT GOLF LAUNCH MONITOR
How Much Room Do You Need for Square Golf Launch Monitor
Sits beside the ball. Minimum 5-6 feet from the screen and ball.
- Launch monitor placement: On the floor besides the ball.
- Room for swing: 6-7 feet in all directions
- Distance from hitting screen/net: Minimum 5-6 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
SHOP SQUARE GOLF LAUNCH MONITOR
How Much Room Do You Need for VTrack Overhead Launch Monitor
- Launch monitor placement: 9-10 feet high. 3-4 feet in front of the ball
- Room for swing: 7 feet in all directions for swing area
- Distance from hitting screen/net: 10-12 feet
- Recommended ceiling height: 9-10 feet
SHOP VTRACK GOLF LAUNCH MONITOR
Space Requirements for Golf Simulator Room Flooring
Standard hitting mats range from 4'x7' to 5'x9'. Extend flooring 2-3 feet beyond the mat for a professional appearance and consistent surface. For complete room coverage, calculate square footage and budget $2-8 per square foot depending on material choice.
Optimizing the Perfect Golf Simulator Floor Plan
- Screen Positioning: Center the screen on your primary wall, aligned with the hitting mat center.
- Hitting Area Layout: Position your mat to optimize available depth, prioritizing 7 feet of clearance behind the tee.
- Equipment Placement: Follow manufacturer specifications for launch monitors. Position computers 3-4 feet from mat, outside swing path.
- Seating and Viewing Area: If space allows, create a viewing zone 6-8 feet behind the hitting area
Golf Simulator Room Size: From Minimum to Ideal
Minimum Functional (8.5'H x 10'W x 12'D):
Camera-based launch monitors only
Limited club selection (primarily irons)
Single user focused
Significant compromises
SHOP CAMERA-BASED LAUNCH MONITORS
SHOP RADAR-BASED LAUNCH MONITORS
Comfortable (9.5'H x 12'W x 15'D):
Most launch monitor options
Full club selection for average-height golfers
Minor compromises
Sweet spot for most home simulators
Ideal (10'H x 14'W x 18'D):
Any launch monitor technology
Centered tee position
Zero compromises
Comfortable seating for guests
Other Considerations: Lighting and Ventilation
Lighting: Install dimmable LED recessed fixtures (4-6 fixtures). Use warm white (2700-3000K) and avoid direct light on the screen. Budget $200-500 for proper lighting.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate HVAC coverage or install a mini-split system for garages. Target 65-72°F for comfortable practice. Consider a ceiling fan positioned outside the swing area.
Maximizing Small Spaces for Indoor Golf Simulation
Creative solutions:
Retractable screens that roll up when not in use
Offset tee positioning (reduces width from 14' to 10')
Remove dropped ceiling tiles to gain height
Choose camera-based launch monitors for tight spaces
Use short throw projectors
Accept strategic limitations:
Focus on iron practice in very low ceilings
Single-handed setup in narrow rooms
Minimal viewing area in short depths
How Much Room Do You Need for a Golf Simulator - Conclusion
The ideal golf simulator room measures 10 feet high, 14 feet wide, and 18 feet deep. Most golfers create excellent setups in 9.5'H x 12'W x 15'D spaces. Even tight spaces of 8.5'H x 10'W x 12'D can work with the right equipment choices.
Your action steps:
Measure your available space carefully
Test your swing with your longest club
Choose appropriate launch monitor technology for your space
Plan your complete layout
Consider lighting and ventilation
Don't let less-than-ideal dimensions discourage you. The space you have right now can likely become your personal indoor golf facility with the right approach.
Ready to turn your space into a golf simulator? Get Your Free Space Assessment | Download Our Measurement Guide
FAQs
How much room do I need for a golf simulator?
The ideal room measures 10'H x 14'W x 18'D. The comfortable minimum is 9'H x 10'W x 15'D with appropriate equipment. Camera-based launch monitors work in spaces as compact as 12 feet deep, while radar units require 18-21 feet.
What is the minimum ceiling height for a golf simulator?
The absolute minimum is 8 feet, suitable only for short irons. For drivers and woods, you need at least 9 feet. The ideal is 10 feet. Your ceiling should be 6-9 inches taller than your highest swing point.
Can I use a golf simulator in a room with a low ceiling?
Yes, with adjustments: use shorter clubs exclusively, choose compact equipment like SkyTrak, remove ceiling obstructions, and accept limitations. Many golfers successfully practice irons in 8.5-foot spaces.
What are the essential components of a golf simulator setup?
You need: launch monitor, impact screen, projector, hitting mat, enclosure/netting, computer, and simulation software. Total investment ranges from $3,000-$5,000 for budget setups to $15,000-$30,000+ for premium installations.
How accurate are launch monitors in golf simulators?
Premium units (GCQuad, Trackman) provide tour-level accuracy within 1-2%. Mid-tier units (SkyTrak, Bushnell) offer 2-5% variance. Budget units (Garmin R10) have 5-10% variance. Even mid-tier units provide sufficient accuracy for improvement.
What kind of maintenance does a golf simulator require?
Weekly: Vacuum mat, wipe screen, clean sensors. Monthly: Check mounting hardware, inspect screen. Quarterly: Calibrate launch monitor, update software. Annually: Professional service, evaluate mat condition.
Are there space-saving options for golf simulators?
Yes! Use camera-based launch monitors, retractable screens, compact enclosures, short throw projectors, offset tee positioning, and ceiling-mounted equipment. Remove dropped ceilings to gain height.
How important is lighting in a golf simulator setup?
Critically important. Install dimmable LED fixtures, avoid direct light on screen, use warm white (2700-3000K), and create multiple zones. Budget $200-500. Good lighting makes a $2,000 projector look amazing; bad lighting ruins a $5,000 projector.
