Have you heard of pixel pitch, but don’t know exactly what it means? Choosing the right pixel pitch is very important when purchasing an LED display. We are happy to explain.
What is pixel pitch?
A pixel is an image point. A digital LED screen is made up of a large number of pixels arranged side by side and one above the other. Each pixel consists of one or more LEDs that emit light together.
We call the distance between the centres of two adjacent pixels pixel pitch, expressed in (P) or millimetres (mm). The smaller the pixel pitch, the closer the pixels are to each other – and the sharper the image on the screen. When choosing the right pixel pitch, the viewing distance to the display is therefore very important.
Forexample: A P10 LED screen has a pixel pitch of 10 mm. In this case, the distance between two pixels is 10 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Why is pixel pitch crucial for image sharpness?
The pixel pitch directly affects the resolution and sharpness of an LED screen. A smaller pixel pitch means more pixels per square metre, resulting in a sharper image. This is especially important for short viewing distances or detailed content. If the pixel pitch is too large, the image may appear blocky or blurry. Choosing the right pixel pitch is therefore essential for optimal image quality, tailored to the purpose and viewing distance of the screen.
How to choose the right pixel pitch for your LED display?
If you want to display images with a lot of detail, you need more pixels and therefore a smaller pixel pitch. For longer distances or simple content (such as numbers, data or logos), a larger pixel pitch is usually sufficient.
So think carefully about what exactly you want to display and from what distance your audience will be viewing it.
To determine the correct pixel pitch, you need to take several factors into account:
- the size of the screen,
- the viewing distance ,
- the application
- and the nature of the content.
Which pixel pitch is suitable for indoor displays and which for outdoor displays?
For indoor LED displays the pixel pitch usually varies betweental tussen 0,7 and 10 mm, depending on the desired resolution and viewing distance. Because the viewing distance indoors is often small, the choice for a smaller pixel pitch for a sharp image, is often made.
For outdoor LED screens, the pixel pitch is usually between 4 and 50 mm or more. Outdoors, viewing distances are typically greater, so a coarser pixel pitch is perfectly adequate and also saves costs.
Tip: first determine the average viewing distance before choosing a pixel pitch.
What pixel pitch do I need for what viewing distance?
| Pixel pitch (mm) | Minimum viewing distance | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 0,9 – 1,5 mm | 1 – 2 meter | Indoor, short distance, high resolution (e.g. meeting rooms) |
| 2,5 – 3,9 mm | 3 – 4 meter | Indoor/outdoor, trade fairs, shops |
| 4 – 6 mm | 4 – 6 meter | Outdoor, shop windows, car parks |
| 8 – 10 mm | 8 – 10 meter | Outdoor, large displays on facades |
| 16 mm or more | 15+ meter | Large outdoor displays along highways |
How does pixel pitch affect the resolution and cost of an LED display?
The pixel pitch directly determines the resolution of your LED screen: the smaller the pixel pitch, the more pixels are placed per square metre – and therefore the sharper the image. But more pixels also means more LEDs, more complex electronics and therefore higher costs.
- Small pixel pitch = higher resolution = higher price
- Larger pixel pitch = lower resolution = more budget-friendly
It is important to find the right balance between desired image quality, viewing distance and budget.
The future of pixel pitch
At Q-lite, we closely follow these developments and continuously invest in product innovation so that we can offer the right technology for every application.
Technological developments in LED displays are advancing at lightning speed. The pixel pitch is becoming smaller and smaller, allowing screens to display higher resolutions. We expect this trend to continue in the coming years. However, a smaller pixel pitch is not always the best choice. Remember: the correct pixel pitch depends mainly on the viewing distance and the purpose of the screen.
Comparing pixel pitches with your own eyes?
Visit our unique Visual Experience Centre where you can compare different pixel pitches on large LED screens measuring almost 7 m². View them up close or from dozens of metres away – ideal for experiencing the difference in viewing distance, sharpness and readability for yourself.
By playing the same content on all screens simultaneously, you can immediately see which image best suits your application. Various display types and applications are set up both indoors and outdoors to help you make the right choice.
