LED Pixel Pitch Explained
Choosing the right pixel pitch is the most critical decision when designing an LED video wall. Here is everything you need to know about how it affects your experience.
What is Pixel Pitch?
Pixel pitch (often denoted as "P" followed by a number, e.g., P1.2 or P3.9) refers to the center-to-center distance between two adjacent pixels, measured in millimeters.
A smaller pixel pitch means there is less empty space between the LEDs, resulting in higher pixel density and a higher resolution for the same physical area.
Why Does It Matter?
Pixel pitch directly impacts three major factors of your LED display:
1. Minimum Viewing Distance
This is the distance at which the human eye can no longer distinguish individual pixels and sees a smooth, continuous image. Smaller pitch allows viewers to stand much closer.
2. Image Resolution
Finer pitch means more pixels per square foot. If you want a 4K resolution on a relatively small wall, you'll need a very fine pitch (like 0.9mm or 1.2mm).
3. Total System Cost
LEDs are the most expensive component of a video wall. A P1.2 wall has nearly 4x the number of LEDs as a P2.5 wall of the same size, which significantly increases the cost.
The Quick Reference Guide
| Pixel Pitch | Optimal Viewing Distance | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 0.9mm - 1.2mm | 3 - 8 feet | Home Cinemas, Boardrooms, Control Rooms |
| 1.5mm - 1.9mm | 8 - 15 feet | Churches, Retail Displays, High-end Lobbies |
| 2.5mm - 3.9mm | 15 - 30 feet | Auditoriums, Event Spaces, Large Indoor Signage |
| 4.0mm - 10mm+ | 30 - 100+ feet | Outdoor Billboards, Sports Stadiums, Storefront Signs |
The "Rule of Thumb"
While there are complex engineering formulas for viewing distance, a simple industry rule of thumb is:
1 millimeter of pixel pitch equals roughly 8 feet of viewing distance for "optimal" clarity, or 3-5 feet for "acceptable" viewing.
For example, if your closest viewer is 10 feet away, you should generally look for a pixel pitch of 1.2mm to 2.5mm depending on the content type (text vs. video).
Ready to find your perfect pitch?
Use our interactive tool to calculate exactly what you need based on your room dimensions.