Room size is the first thing to settle, because it decides which launch monitors will work at all. A long basement can take anything. A one-car garage rules out most radar units before you look at a single price.
The short answer
| Measurement | Minimum | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Depth (camera unit) | About 10 ft | 12 to 14 ft |
| Depth (radar unit) | About 16 ft | 18 ft or more |
| Width | About 10 ft | 12 to 14 ft |
| Ceiling | About 8.5 ft (irons) | 9 to 10 ft |
Depth
Depth is measured from the back wall to the screen. It needs to hold your backswing, your stance, the space between ball and screen, and, for radar, the unit itself.
Radar units like the Garmin R10, Rapsodo MLM2PRO, FlightScope Mevo Gen2 and Full Swing KIT sit behind you and track the ball as it flies. Indoors they need about 16 ft in total. Camera units like the SkyTrak ST MAX, Square Omni, Bushnell Launch Pro and Garmin R50 sit beside the ball and read it at impact, so about 10 ft is enough. Radar vs camera explains why.
Width
Ten feet is the practical minimum for one right- or left-handed golfer. If both will share the space, add width: camera units sit on the hitter's side and have to move when a lefty steps in. Full Swing's 12 ft studio asks for 14 ft of width.
Ceiling
Most simulator packages work with a 9 ft ceiling. Tall golfers and steep swings need more. The only reliable test is a slow-motion driver swing where you'll hit, with your normal posture. Below about 8.5 ft, plan on irons only.
Will it fit your room?
Room depth decides more than budget. Radar units track the ball from behind you and need a long room. Camera units sit beside the ball and work in garages and spare bedrooms. Enter your space to see what fits.
Fits your room · 0
Won't work here · 0
Depths are practical minimums drawn from manufacturer setup guidance and independent testing. Radar units generally need about 16 ft from the back wall to the screen; camera units about 10 ft. Read the room-size guide before you build.
Garages and basements
Two-car garages are often wide and tall enough but come up short on depth once cars, shelves and the door track are accounted for. That's why camera units dominate garage builds. Basements tend to have depth to spare but low ceilings, so measure under beams and ducts, not just the open span.
Questions
What's the smallest room for a golf simulator?
About 10 ft deep and 10 ft wide with a camera unit, and enough height to swing a driver. It's tight; 12 by 12 ft is more comfortable.
How far should the ball be from the screen?
Many enclosure makers suggest roughly 8 to 10 ft, which leaves room for the ball to slow before it hits the screen. Check your screen maker's guidance.
