Where should I place the horizon line?

The horizon line represents eye level. Place it at 50% for a normal standing view, lower (30-40%) for a ground-level or worm's-eye view, or higher (60-70%) for a bird's-eye view. The horizon line determines the dramatic effect of your composition.

What is the difference between one-point and two-point perspective?

One-point perspective has a single vanishing point on the horizon and is used when viewing an object head-on (e.g. looking down a corridor). Two-point perspective uses two vanishing points and is used when viewing objects at an angle (e.g. the corner of a building).

Can vanishing points be off the paper?

Yes, vanishing points are often off the paper, especially in two-point perspective. You can tape extra paper to the sides, use a long ruler extending beyond your drawing, or calculate the positions mathematically using this tool.

ArtCalcs

Perspective Calculator — Vanishing Points & Horizon

Calculate vanishing point positions and horizon line placement for perspective drawing.

Perspective Type

Paper Width

Paper Height

Horizon Line Position

% from bottom of paper

VP Horizontal Position

% from left edge

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines vanishing point positions based on your paper size and perspective type.

Key principles

Horizon line: Set as a percentage from the bottom of the paper
One-point VP: A single point on the horizon line, positioned by horizontal percentage
Two-point VPs: Two points on the horizon, spread apart by the specified percentage of paper width

All vanishing points sit on the horizon line. The cone of vision (about 60 degrees) defines the area where perspective looks natural without distortion.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.