dvLED Pixel Pitch & Viewing Distance

Choosing the right pixel pitch for your direct view LED display ensures content looks sharp, readable, and appropriate for your space — without overspending on unnecessary resolution.

Pixel Pitch (measured in millimeters) is the center-to-center distance between adjacent pixels. A smaller pixel pitch means higher resolution and better clarity at close viewing distances—but it also comes at a higher price point.

The ideal pixel pitch depends on a combination of factors:

  • Viewing Distance: How close will viewers typically be to the direct view LED display?
  • Content Type: Are you displaying detailed dashboards and fine text, or simple imagery and video?
  • Display Resolution Goals: Are you aiming for full HD (1080p), 4K, or a custom resolution? Your target resolution may influence the necessary pixel density.
  • Display Size: Larger displays can accommodate wider pixel spacing while still achieving high overall resolution, especially at longer viewing distances.
  • Indoor vs. Outdoor Environment: Outdoor displays are generally viewed from farther away, so they can use a larger pixel pitch without sacrificing visual clarity.

Viewing Guidelines

  • Visual Acuity Distance: The point at which individual pixels become indistinguishable to someone with 20/20 vision.
  • Comfortable Viewing Distance: Closer than Visual Acuity distance, this subjective measure estimates a distance where most viewers find the display’s appearance visually pleasing even if individual pixels can be seen.
  • 10x Rule: A quick reference: Pixel Pitch (in mm) × 10 = Recommended Viewing Distance (in feet).

Not sure where to begin? We can help you match the right display to your space, audience, and goals.
Contact us at 1.844.464.5533 or email sales@i5LED.com

Viewing Distance Table:

Finding the right balance between pixel pitch, viewing distance, and content type is key to a successful installation and long-term ROI.

Pixel Pitch Visual Acuity Distance Average Comfortable Viewing Distance 10x Rule Viewing Distance
mm ft m ft m ft m
0.6 6.8 2.06 3.38 1.03 6 1.83
0.7 7.9 2.41 3.94 1.2 7 2.13
0.9 10.2 3.09 5.07 1.54 9 2.74
1.2 13.5 4.13 6.76 2.06 12 3.66
1.5 16.9 5.16 8.44 2.57 15 4.57
1.8 20.3 6.19 10.13 3.09 18 5.49
2 22.6 6.88 11.26 3.43 20 6.1
2.5 28.2 8.6 14.07 4.29 25 7.62
2.9 32.7 9.97 16.33 4.98 29 8.84
3.9 44 13.41 21.96 6.69 39 11.89
4.8 54.1 16.5 27.02 8.24 48 14.63
5.3 59.8 18.22 29.84 9.09 53 16.15
6.6 74.4 22.69 37.16 11.33 66 20.12
8 90.2 27.5 45.04 13.73 80 24.38
10 112.8 34.38 56.3 17.16 100 30.48
12 135.4 41.26 67.56 20.59 120 36.58
16 180.5 55.01 90.08 27.46 160 48.77
20 225.6 68.76 112.6 34.32 200 60.96