If you’ve ever looked for an LED screen, you’ve probably seen strange codes like P2, P3.9, P5, or P10. These numbers aren’t random; they show the pixel pitch, which is the most important thing that affects image quality, viewing distance, and price.
In simple terms, here’s everything you need to know to pick the right pixel pitch for your business.
What Does the Letter “P” Mean?
The “P” stands for Pixel Pitch, which is measured in millimetres.
It is the space between the centres of two pixels, which are groups of red, green, and blue LEDs.
A simple rule:
The smaller the number after P →, the closer the pixels are to each other → the clearer the picture.
The bigger the number, the more space between the pixels. This makes them only visible from a distance, but they are much cheaper.
Pixel Pitch Visual Guide: What It Actually Looks Like at 3 Meters
Here’s exactly how different pixel pitches appear when you stand 3 metres (about 10 feet) away – the typical distance a customer stands from a storefront, menu board, or lobby screen.
Pixel Pitch Visual Appearance at 3 Metres Looks Like…Verdict for Most Businesses
P1.2 Completely smooth, zero dots visible 4K/8K TV or cinema screen Premium luxury feel
P1.5–P1.8 Perfectly smooth, indistinguishable from LCD High-end computer monitor Excellent for close-up viewing
P2–P2.5 Crystal clear, no visible pixels to most people. Sharp digital signage, Sweet spot for indoor retail/malls
P2.9–P3.9 Very minor texture, only if you stare. Still looks sharp and modern. Most popular for stages & menus
P4–P5 Slight dot pattern starts to appear. Acceptable, but you notice pixels. Okay for budget indoor projects.
P6–P8 Clear individual pixels, grid visible. Obviously, an LED screen. Only for outdoor or far viewing
P10 Large visible dots, looks “pixelated” Classic old-style LED billboard Only for highways & very far viewing
Quick Decision Rule at a Glance
- Want it to look like a giant TV? → Choose P2.5 or finer
- Want sharp & professional but cost-effective? → P2.9 – P3.9 (the #1 choice worldwide in 2025)
- On a tight budget, and viewers are 6m+ away? → P4 – P6
- Only drivers on the highway will see it? → P8 – P10
Seeing is believing. Save this chart – the difference between P2.5 and P5 at 3 metres is night and day, and your customers will notice even if they can’t explain why.
Need a free mock-up showing exactly how P2 vs P3.9 vs P5 would look on your wall? Just send your wall dimensions and viewing distance – we’ll create it for you in minutes.
How to Pick the Right Pixel Pitch (3-Step Guide)
Find out how far away you can see at least (the closest place a customer can stand or walk by).
A good rule of thumb is to multiply by 1 meter for every 1 mm of pitch.
For example, if the closest viewer is 4 meters away, P4 or finer is best.
Find a balance between your budget and making sure your business is ready for the future.
If your budget allows, always go one step finer than the minimum. The content will look much better, and you won’t regret it in two years when 8K becomes the norm.
Examples from the real world
Starbucks drive-thru menu: P3.9 outside (viewing distance 3–8 m)
Louis Vuitton’s main store window is P1.56 clear (people stop 1 meter away).
Directory for the shopping mall: P2.5 inside (2–4 m viewing)
Digital billboard on the highway: P10 (drivers can see it from 50 to 300 m)
Things You Shouldn’t Do
P10 is a bad choice for a storefront because it looks pixelated and cheap.
Buying ultra-fine P1.2 for a stadium is a waste of money because no one stands 1 meter away from a perimeter board.
A P3 indoor screen will be invisible in sunlight, even if you forget about brightness (it needs 5,000+ nits).
The Bottom Line in 2025
Pixel pitch is no longer just a technical detail; it’s the difference between a screen that impresses your customers and one that makes your brand look old.
A quick cheat sheet to help you remember:
Viewing distance of less than 2 meters: P2 or finer; 2 to 6 meters: P2.5 to P3.9 15 to 6 metres P4 to P6 15 to 6 metres P8–P10
Please choose carefully, and your SMD LED screen will show content that is so sharp that it stops traffic, both real and figurative. Do you need help figuring out the exact pixel pitch and resolution for your space? Give us your viewing distance and size, and we’ll send you the right specs and prices for 2025 in just a few minutes.
