Pixel pitch and viewing distance: how to choose
Pixel pitch is the distance in millimetres between the centres of two neighbouring pixels. A simple rule of thumb: the minimum comfortable viewing distance in metres is about the same as the pixel pitch in millimetres. A P4 screen looks smooth from about 4 m.
Quick selection table
| Pixel pitch | Min. viewing distance (approx.) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| P1.25 | 1.5 m | Boardrooms, control rooms, broadcast |
| P1.53 | 2 m | Meeting rooms, hotel lobbies |
| P1.86 | 2.5 m | Cafés, showrooms, conference halls |
| P2.5 | 3 m | Shop fronts, entrances, indoor halls |
| P3.07 | 3–4 m | Pedestrian streets, stores, mobile screens |
| P4 | 4–5 m | Mall facades, city screens, totems |
| P5 | 5 m+ | Roadside billboards, large facades, stadiums |
Resolution: how many pixels will the screen have?
Divide the screen width and height in millimetres by the pitch. Example: a 4.80 × 2.88 m screen at P4 has 4800 ÷ 4 = 1,200 by 2880 ÷ 4 = 720 pixels. Content should be prepared at exactly that resolution.
Don't over-specify
Going one step finer than needed can raise the price per m² by roughly 15–40% (see our own price table) without any visible benefit for viewers who stand further away. Start from where your closest regular viewer stands, then check the content: text-heavy content needs a finer pitch than video.
Prices per pitch: LED display price guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is pixel pitch?
Pixel pitch is the distance in millimetres between the centres of two neighbouring pixels on an LED screen. Smaller pitch means more pixels per square metre and a sharper image at short distances.
How do I calculate the right pixel pitch?
As a rule of thumb, the minimum viewing distance in metres is roughly equal to the pixel pitch in millimetres: P3 from about 3 m, P5 from about 5 m.
How do I calculate the resolution of an LED screen?
Divide the width and height in millimetres by the pixel pitch. A 4.80 × 2.88 m P4 screen has 1,200 × 720 pixels.
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