What is pixel pitch and how do you choose it for viewing distance?
A simple rule for choosing between P1.86 and P5, applied to three real-world situations for Belgian businesses.
P1.86, P2.5 and P5 do not describe the size of a screen. The number is the distance in millimetres between the centres of two neighbouring LED pixels. The closer the viewer stands, the smaller that gap must be for the dots to merge into one continuous image.
Test pitch with your visualChoose a pitch and change the viewing distance.Selection table from P1.86 to P5
Measure to the nearest person who genuinely needs to read the content. Do not measure to the back of the premises: in a frituur, the customer at the counter sets the menu’s pitch, not the person in the last seat.
| Pitch | Distance | Available |
|---|---|---|
| P1.86 | ≈ 1.86 m | Indoor |
| P2 | ≈ 2 m | Indoor |
| P2.5 | ≈ 2.5 m | Indoor or outdoor |
| P3 | ≈ 3 m | Outdoor |
| P4 | ≈ 4 m | Indoor or outdoor |
| P5 | ≈ 5 m | Outdoor |
Three practical situations in Belgium
1. Restaurant or frituur menu
If the first customer stops about 2 m from the menu, ask for P2 Indoor. At 1.86 m, ask for P1.86 Indoor. If the queue begins at 2.5 m, P2.5 Indoor matches the rule. Measure from the screen face to the customer at the counter, not to the kitchen.
View P1.86 Indoor≈ 1.86 mView P2 Indoor≈ 2 mView P2.5 Indoor≈ 2.5 m2. Phone-shop window
Stand on the pavement where a passer-by can see the whole screen. If that point is 2.5 m from the screen behind the glass, ask for P2.5 Indoor; at 4 m, ask for P4 Indoor. If someone walking closer to the window needs to read it, that shorter distance determines the choice.
View P4 IndoorWindow viewed at ≈ 4 m3. Façade screen viewed from across the street
For a screen physically outdoors, measure to the nearest point where your audience begins. At about 3 m choose P3 Outdoor; at 4 m, P4 Outdoor; at 5 m, P5 Outdoor. Do not choose P5 because the street looks wide: if pedestrians pass at 3 m and need to read the message, the distance calls for P3.
View P3 Outdoor≈ 3 mView P4 Outdoor≈ 4 mView P5 Outdoor≈ 5 mWhat pitch does not decide
To receive a precise recommendation
- Distance to the nearest viewer.
- Location: indoors, behind glass, or physically outdoors.
- Approximate dimensions and a photo from the audience position.
Send us those three details. We will check the pitch with you, recommend the matching model and prepare a free, tailored, no-obligation quote.