Mount a security camera about 2.4 to 3 m (8 to 10 ft) off the ground: high enough to stay out of easy reach, low enough to see faces rather than the tops of heads. At 3 m high, a camera aimed at someone 6 m away tilts down about 13 degrees; at the same height, someone only 3 m away is seen at 25 degrees, which starts to favour the top of the head. The rule of thumb: the closer the subject, the lower the camera, and entrances need a face-level view. This page gives the tilt angles by height and distance, and where to mount for doors, driveways and yards.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Calculated October 26, 2026. 6 min read.
- Tilt angle table by height and distance
- Heights for doors, driveways and yards
- Avoiding glare and tampering
- Aiming checklist
- Mount cameras out of easy reach but not so high that faces are lost.
- Steeper angles show the top of the head. Keep the tilt modest at entrances.
- Use a lower mount at doors, and a higher one for yards and driveways.
- Check the aim in daylight and at night before you finish.
What tilt angle does each mounting height give?
The table shows the downward tilt needed to point at a person’s face (assumed 1.6 m off the ground) from different mounting heights and distances. It is geometry, calculated as the arctangent of the height difference over the distance.
| Mounting height | 3 m away | 6 m away | 10 m away | 15 m away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 m (8 ft) | 15° | 8° | 5° | 3° |
| 3.0 m (10 ft) | 25° | 13° | 8° | 5° |
| 3.6 m (12 ft) | 34° | 18° | 11° | 8° |
| 4.5 m (15 ft) | 44° | 26° | 16° | 11° |
As a rule of thumb, angles above about 30 degrees show the top of the head and make faces harder to see. This is a guideline, not a measured limit.
What height suits each spot?
| Spot | Typical height | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Front or back door | 2.4 to 2.7 m (8 to 9 ft) | Faces. See how far a camera can see |
| Driveway or yard | 2.7 to 3.6 m (9 to 12 ft) | Wider coverage; people and vehicles |
| Garage or side gate | 2.4 to 3 m (8 to 10 ft) | Entry points |
| Parking lot | 4.5 m (15 ft) or on a pole | Coverage and vandal resistance. See parking lot cameras |
| Indoor shop or lobby | 2.4 to 3 m (8 to 10 ft), ceiling dome | Counter, till and entrance |
How do you aim a camera well?
- Pick the target (a door, a path, a licence plate) and aim at it, not at the sky.
- Keep the horizon in the upper third of the picture.
- Avoid pointing into the sun, bright lights or reflective glass.
- Keep branches, flags and spider webs out of view.
- Test at night. See night vision cameras.
- Tighten the mount so wind does not move it.
For where each camera should go, see where to place security cameras.
Security camera mounting height: frequently asked questions
How high should I mount a security camera?
About 2.4 to 3 m (8 to 10 ft) for most homes, lower at doors and higher for yards and parking lots.
Is higher always better?
No. Higher mounting makes cameras harder to reach but gives a steeper angle, which can hide faces.
What angle should a camera face?
Keep the downward tilt modest at entrances, under about 30 degrees as a rule of thumb.
How high for a doorbell or porch camera?
Doorbell cameras go at roughly door-height viewing level. A porch camera works at 2.4 to 2.7 m.
How do I stop people tampering with it?
Mount out of reach and choose a vandal-resistant camera. See IP and IK ratings.
Does Pixl aim and test cameras?
Yes. We mount and aim each camera and test every view. WiFi installs start at $200 and wired CCTV is a free written quote. You pay after the job.
Have each camera mounted and aimed right
Send photos of the spots. You pay after the job.
How far a camera can see
How to install security cameras
How many cameras do I need?
Sources and method. Tilt angles are calculated as the arctangent of (mounting height minus 1.6 m) over distance. The 30-degree guideline is a rule of thumb, not a standard.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.