Pixel pitch is the distance in millimetres between two LED points on a screen. The smaller the pixel pitch, the sharper the image at a short viewing distance. A P2 screen has pixels 2 mm apart and is ideal for a shop window or exhibition floor. A P10 has pixels 10 mm apart and works perfectly alongside a football pitch or on a building façade. Choosing the right pixel pitch largely determines whether your screen does what you expect it to.
What exactly is pixel pitch?
Every LED screen is made up of thousands of tiny points of light: pixels. Each pixel consists of three coloured LEDs: red, green and blue. Together, these three colours can create any image. Pixel pitch indicates the distance between the centres of two adjacent pixels, measured in millimetres.
A screen with a pixel pitch of P4 has 4 mm between each pixel. A screen with P1.5 has just 1.5 mm. The closer the pixels are to one another, the more pixels there are per square metre and the finer and sharper the image.
P stands for Pitch. P4 = a pixel pitch of 4 mm. The lower the number, the sharper the image at a short distance, but the higher the price.
Why does pixel pitch matter?
The human eye has its limits. From a long distance, you can hardly see the difference between P4 and P10. But at a short distance, the difference is huge. If someone stands two metres in front of a P10 screen, they see individual pixels instead of a smooth image. This looks unprofessional and undermines the message you want to get across.
The right pixel pitch depends entirely on the viewing distance: the distance between the screen and the viewer. The rule of thumb is simple: viewing distance in metres x 1 to 1.5 = suitable pixel pitch in mm. At a viewing distance of 5 metres, P5 to P7 is fine. At 20 metres, P10 is sufficient.
Pixel pitch by application
Shop windows & retail (viewing distance 1-5 metres)
In a shop or shop window, people stand close to the screen. A fine pixel pitch is essential here for a sharp, professional image. P2 or P3 delivers a smooth, clear image that shows product and campaign visuals at their best.
- Recommended pitch: P1.5 to P4
- Applications: shop window, showroom, reception
Sport & perimeter advertising (viewing distance 10-40 metres)
Alongside a sports pitch, supporters watch from further away. A fine pixel pitch is less relevant here and unnecessarily expensive. P8 or P10 provides a clear, easily readable image for spectators in the stands and on camera.
- Recommended pitch: P6 to P10
- Applications: LED perimeter advertising, scoreboards, outdoor stadium screens
Events & exhibitions (viewing distance 3-15 metres)
At a trade show or event, viewing distances vary. Visitors may walk closer, but they also look from further away. A middle ground such as P4 or P5 delivers a good result at most viewing distances.
- Recommended pitch: P3 to P6
- Typical applications: exhibition stand, stage screen, information display
Building façades & outdoor advertising (viewing distance 10-50 metres)
For large outdoor LED screens on building façades or alongside roads, the viewing distance is long. A coarser pixel pitch is sufficient and keeps costs manageable while ensuring the screen remains clearly visible.
- Recommended pitch: P8 to P16
- Typical applications: building façades, bus shelter-sized displays, outdoor billboards
Pixel pitch and price: how does it work?
A smaller pixel pitch means more pixels per square metre and therefore more components. At HOOQD, we always recommend a pixel pitch that suits your viewing distance and situation. No more expensive screen than necessary, but not cheaper than is sensible either.
Choosing pixel pitch: how to do it
Follow these three steps to determine the right pixel pitch:
- Step 1: Determine the minimum viewing distance. How close will the nearest viewer be?
- Step 2: Apply the rule of thumb: viewing distance in metres x 1 = pixel pitch in mm
- Step 3: Consider how the screen will be used. Will it also be filmed? If so, a finer pitch is a smart choice for broadcast quality.
Not sure? HOOQD will analyse your location and recommend the right pixel pitch free of charge and with no obligation.
Want to know which pixel pitch suits your situation? Our specialists are happy to help.
