As a professional LED display supplier with 10 years of sales experience, I often hear customers from all over the world ask questions like, “How to calculate LED viewing distance?”, “What is the best viewing distance for LED ?”
We can use the simplest method to understand the viewing distance of the LED display. When the LED screen salesperson introduces the model of the display to you, this is the ideal viewing distance for the LED display.
For example, if the screen LED salesperson tells you, “This is a P4 rental LED display, suitable for stages, concerts…“, then the ideal viewing distance of this product is 4 meters. On this basis, It can also be appropriately expanded by 1.5-2 times, that is, within 6-8 meters, it can show its excellent viewing effect.
After understanding this point, we will further discuss some calculation methods of LED displays, and provide some suggestions on the viewing distance of indoor and outdoor LED displays and how to choose the appropriate pixel pitch. In addition, we will also discuss how to calculate the resolution and size of the LED display.
Table of Contents
The first thing we need to understand is the concept of PPI (Pixel per Inch). PPI indicates the number of pixels per inch of led display screen, the higher the value, the clearer the displayed image. Generally speaking, the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels for displays with a PPI of more than 300.
When we look at a led display screen, the resolution ability of the human eye is limited. When the pixels are too dense, the human eye cannot distinguish individual pixels and thus perceive a continuous, seamless image.
This is because the human eye requires higher pixel density to perceive small image details, and a high PPI means that more pixels are compressed into each inch of space. When pixels are dense enough, our visual system merges these pixels into a single continuous image and can no longer distinguish individual pixels.
Conversely, when the PPI is low, the spacing between pixels becomes larger, which results in the visibility of the pixels when viewed. The human eye is able to more easily notice pixel boundaries and gaps, making images appear relatively grainy or blurry.
Therefore, when the PPI exceeds 300, the resolution ability of the human eye can no longer distinguish individual pixels, and the displayed image will present a more delicate, sharp and real effect, enabling us to enjoy a higher quality visual experience. This is one of the reasons why high-PPI displays have an advantage when it comes to high-definition images, detailed content, and sophisticated graphics.
When it comes to LED displays, PPI (Pixel per Inch) is usually used to describe the number of pixels per inch of the display. However, we can also convert this to pixels per square meter to better fit LED display metrics.
The formula to convert PPI to pixels per square meter is as follows:
Pixels per square meter = PPI × 0.0254 × PPI × 0.0254
In this formula, we use 0.0254 to convert inches to meters, then multiply (square) the PPI twice to get the number of pixels per square meter.
For example, if an LED display has a PPI of 300:
Pixels per square meter = 300 × 0.0254 × 300 × 0.0254 = 22955
Therefore, the LED display has about 22955 pixels per square meter.
By converting PPI to the number of pixels per square meter, we can more intuitively understand the pixel density and resolution of the display screen for more accurate evaluation and selection.
Now, let’s answer the following questions step by step:
What is the viewing distance of LED display pixels?
The LED display pitch viewing distance of will vary greatly according to different application scenarios. The following are some common application scenarios.
Indoor meeting rooms, exhibitions, shopping malls, etc.: For close viewing (within 3 meters), you can choose a smaller pixel pitch, such as 1mm to 2mm.
Billboards, outdoor large screens, etc.: For a longer viewing distance (more than 5 meters), you can choose a larger pixel pitch, such as 4mm to more than 10mm.
Traffic signs, outdoor display screens, etc.: require a shorter viewing distance and higher definition, you can choose a display screen with a smaller pixel pitch, such as 2mm to 4mm.
Visual requirements:
Visual requirements are also one of the considerations in choosing pixel pitch. For scenes that require high definition and details, such as image display, video playback, etc., it is usually necessary to choose a smaller pixel pitch to provide higher resolution and clarity. For some simple text display, basic graphics and other scenarios, you can choose a larger pixel pitch.
It should be noted that the above are some general guidelines, and the actual selection of pixel pitch also needs to consider the technical characteristics of specific products, budget constraints and application requirements. It is best to consult a professional Maipu glossy display supplier or engineer, and choose according to the specific situation.
How to calculate the best viewing distance?
The best viewing distance depends on the size of led display, its resolution and the viewer’s expectations for the image. Generally speaking, if the viewing distance is less than the ideal viewing distance, the viewer may perceive pixels, while at greater than the ideal viewing distance, the image may appear blurry.
The formula for calculating the ideal viewing distance in PPI is:
Ideal viewing distance (feet) = screen height (inches) / PPI
What is the best viewing distance for LEDs?
In order to get the best viewing effect, the viewing distance of the LED display should be twice its ideal viewing distance. This ensures that viewers can fully appreciate high-quality image details.
What is the viewing distance for indoor and outdoor LED displays?
There will be some differences in the viewing distance between indoor LED and outdoor LED displays, because there are more light interference and visual requirements in the outdoor environment. The following are the general viewing distance ranges for indoor and outdoor LED displays (for reference only):
a. Indoor LED viewing distance:
- – LED display with P1.5-P3 pixel pitch: the best viewing distance is 1-3 meters, the maximum viewing distance is 3-6 meters, and the long-distance viewing is more than 6 meters.
- – LED display with P4-P5 pixel pitch: the best viewing distance is 2-5 meters, the maximum viewing distance is 5-10 meters, and the long-distance viewing is more than 10 meters.
In indoor environments, the light is more controlled and stable, and viewers can usually watch LED displays at a closer distance for higher pixel density and clearer images.
b. Outdoor LED viewing distance:
In outdoor environments where the light is bright, the viewing distance will increase accordingly. The viewing distance of an outdoor LED display depends on factors such as pixel pitch, lighting conditions, and audience requirements. The following are some common outdoor LED display viewing distance ranges (for reference only):
– Outdoor LED display with P5-P10 pixel pitch: the best viewing distance is 5-10 meters, the maximum viewing distance is 10-20 meters, and the long-distance viewing is more than 20 meters.
There is stronger ambient light interference in outdoor environments, and a larger viewing distance can help viewers better appreciate image details and reduce the impact of light on visual experience.
Note that these viewing distance ranges are general guidelines only, and actual viewing distances will be affected by led display size, resolution, content type, and personal preference of the viewer. When selecting and installing an LED display, it is recommended to test and adjust according to the specific situation to ensure that the audience has the best viewing experience.
How to choose the appropriate pixel pitch?
Pixel pitch refers to the distance between two adjacent pixels(lamps), which directly affects the clarity of the display effect. Choosing the right pixel pitch can ensure that images are clearly visible at different viewing distances. In general, smaller pixel pitches are good for close viewing, while larger pixel pitches are good for long distance viewing.
The following factors need to be considered in choosing a suitable LED display pixel pitch:
- a. Viewing distance: First of all, determine the viewing distance range where the audience is usually located. Closer viewing requires a smaller pixel pitch, while longer distance viewing can accommodate a larger pixel pitch. Generally speaking, the pixel pitch of indoor LED displays ranges from 1.5mm to 5mm, and the pixel pitch of outdoor LED displays ranges from 3mm to 10mm.
- b. Image detail requirements: Select an appropriate pixel pitch according to the type of display content and detail requirements. When displaying content that includes detailed text, images, or video, a smaller pixel pitch provides higher pixel density and a clearer image. And if the displayed content is mainly simple text or graphics, a larger pixel pitch may also meet the requirements.
- c. Screen size and resolution: Screen size and resolution directly affect the choice of pixel pitch. Larger screens or higher resolutions may require smaller pixel pitches to maintain image clarity and detail. At the same time, screen size and resolution will also have an impact on cost, so a trade-off needs to be made between actual needs and budget.
- d. Display environment: Different display environments have different requirements for pixel pitch. As mentioned earlier, the lighting conditions and viewing distance of indoor and outdoor environments will affect the choice of pixel pitch. In outdoor environments, a larger pixel pitch is generally required to deal with stronger ambient light interference.
- e. Budget: Finally, budget is also one of the considerations in choosing the appropriate pixel pitch. In general, smaller pixel pitches and higher pixel densities lead to sharper images, but also increase costs. Therefore, it is necessary to balance the display effect and economy according to the budget.
By comprehensively considering these factors, you can find the pixel pitch of the LED display that suits your specific needs. Before making a selection, it is recommended to conduct further discussions and suggestions with our professional consulting team to ensure that the best cost-effective led display screen can be selected.
How to calculate the resolution and size of LED display?
The resolution and size of LED display depend on the required pixel density and available space. Resolution is measured in pixels and is usually expressed as width by height. According to the resolution of led display and the ideal viewing distance, the appropriate led display size can be calculated. The following are some commonly used calculation methods:
Resolution calculation:
– Resolution refers to the number of pixels in the horizontal and vertical directions on led display. Resolution is usually expressed in width pixels and height pixels, for example, 1920×1080 means that the width is 1920 pixels and the height is 1080 pixels.
– To calculate resolution, viewing distance and desired pixel density need to be considered. In general, closer viewing requires higher resolution for greater clarity and detail.
Size calculation:
– LED display size can be expressed in physical dimensions (such as inches or centimeters) or in number of pixels.
– To calculate the physical size, you first need to know the pixel pitch and resolution. The physical size can be obtained by multiplying the width (in pixels) by the pixel pitch (in millimeters or inches).
It should be noted that these calculation methods only provide general guidance, and actual calculations need to consider specific requirements and environmental factors. For complex application scenarios or situations that require precise calculations, it is recommended to consult our professional team members for more accurate calculations and suggestions.
The calculation of the viewing distance needs to consider multiple factors, such as the viewer’s needs and budget, so it is recommended to conduct actual tests and adjustments according to the specific situation when selecting and installing indoor LED displays to ensure the best viewing experience.