By MK-LED · Updated
In short
Pixel pitch is the distance in millimetres between the centres of neighbouring pixels. A smaller number means pixels are closer together, giving a sharper image up close. Choose the pitch by how far your audience will be: a common rule of thumb is about 1 metre of viewing distance per millimetre of pitch.
What does “P” mean?
The “P” number is the pixel pitch in millimetres. A P2 display has pixels 2 mm apart; a P4 display has them 4 mm apart.
Pitch determines pixel density. Halving the pitch quadruples the number of pixels in the same area — which is why P2 has four times as many pixels per square metre as P4.
How pitch affects viewing distance
From far enough away, the eye blends individual pixels into a smooth image. The finer the pitch, the closer viewers can stand before pixels become visible.
As a general guide, the closest comfortable viewing distance in metres is roughly equal to the pitch in millimetres. A P3 wall looks smooth from about 3 m. This is a rule of thumb; content, brightness and personal eyesight all play a part.
Which pitch should I choose?
Typical choices, starting from the closest viewing:
- P2 — boardrooms, control rooms and retail screens viewed from a few metres.
- P2.5 — meeting rooms, showrooms, hotels and classrooms.
- P3 — auditoriums, places of worship, stages and large retail spaces.
- P4 — large venues, events and advertising viewed from further away; outdoor-rated versions exist.
Finer is not always better
Finer pitches cost more per square metre because they use more LEDs and electronics. If your audience will never be close to the screen, a finer pitch adds cost without visible benefit. The best value is the largest pitch that still looks smooth from your nearest viewing position.
Compare P2, P2.5, P3 and P4
P22 mm between pixel centres
- Pixel density
2,50,000 pixels per m²
A 4 × 2.25 m wall shows 2,000 × 1,125 pixels.- Viewing distance
Looks smooth from about 2 m away and beyond.
General rule of thumb — confirmed for your room during design.- Typical use
Boardrooms, control rooms and retail screens people walk right up to.
- Indoor / outdoor
Typically indoor.
- Image detail
Very fine. Small text and spreadsheets stay readable up close.
Smaller number = pixels closer together = sharper up close. Larger number = fewer pixels, best seen from further away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between P2.5 and P3 LED?
P2.5 has pixels 2.5 mm apart and about 160,000 pixels per square metre; P3 has pixels 3 mm apart and about 111,000 pixels per square metre. P2.5 looks sharper up close; P3 is often chosen for larger rooms viewed from further away.
Which pixel pitch is suitable for close viewing?
For viewing from 2–3 metres, finer pitches such as P2 or P2.5 are typical.