Pixel pitch is the distance between the centres of two neighbouring pixels, measured in millimetres. A P2.5 module has a pixel every 2.5 mm; a P10 module has one every 10 mm. The smaller the pitch, the more pixels fit in the same area, the sharper the picture looks up close, and the higher the cost per square metre.
The quick rule of thumb
The closest comfortable viewing distance in metres is roughly the pixel pitch in millimetres. Qiangli's own datasheets follow the same idea: their P1.5 modules list a best viewing distance of about 1.6 m, P4 modules about 4 m, P8 modules about 8 m and P10 modules about 10 m.
| Closest viewer | Typical pitch | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 m | P0.8 – P1.8 | Control rooms, studios, boardrooms |
| 2 – 3 m | P2 – P2.5 | Meeting rooms, retail, indoor signage |
| 3 – 5 m | P3 – P4 | Events, halls, shop fronts |
| 5 – 8 m | P5 – P6.67 | Outdoor signs, roadside screens |
| 8 m and more | P8 – P10 | Large billboards and hoardings |
Pitch and pixel density
Pixel density grows fast as pitch shrinks. Using figures from the datasheets: a P10 module has about 10,000 pixels per square metre, a P4 module 62,500, a P2.5 module 160,000 and a P1.5 module 422,500. That is why fine-pitch screens need more modules' worth of LEDs, driver ICs and receiving-card capacity for the same size of wall.
Do not pay for pitch you will not see
If nobody will stand closer than 6 m, a P3 screen looks no better than a P6 one from where people actually are, but costs far more and draws more power. Start from the closest realistic viewing position, choose the largest pitch that still looks smooth from there, and spend the difference on brightness (for outdoor screens) or refresh rate (for screens that will be filmed).
Indoor or outdoor matters too
The same pitch exists in indoor and outdoor versions with very different brightness. Read indoor vs outdoor LED modules before you decide, then compare options in our LED modules catalogue.