P2, P4, P6… What Do These LED Screen Numbers Actually Mean?
If you've ever looked at LED display specifications, you've probably seen terms like P1.5, P2.5, P4, or P10 and wondered what they actually mean.
Most people assume these numbers refer to screen size, brightness, or resolution. In reality, they all refer to something called pixel pitch—one of the most important factors in determining how an LED display looks and performs.
The good news? Understanding pixel pitch is much easier than it sounds.
First, What Is Pixel Pitch?
Imagine standing very close to a large digital screen. If you look carefully, you'll notice thousands of tiny dots working together to create images and videos.
These dots are called pixels.
Pixel pitch simply measures the distance between one pixel and the next.
For example:
P1.5 = 1.5mm spacing
P2.5 = 2.5mm spacing
P4 = 4mm spacing
P10 = 10mm spacing
The smaller the number, the closer the pixels are packed together.
Why Should You Care?
Because pixel pitch affects three things:
How sharp the image looks
How close people can stand to the screen
How much the display costs
Let's look at a simple example.
Imagine two screens that are exactly the same size.
One is P2.
The other is P6.
The P2 display contains far more pixels in the same space, which means it can display more detail and produce smoother images.
The P6 display has fewer pixels and is better suited for viewing from farther away.
The Coffee Shop Example
Let's say you own a coffee shop and want to install a digital menu board behind the counter.
Customers may stand only 2–3 meters away from the screen.
In this situation, a fine-pitch display like P1.8 or P2.5 makes sense because people will be reading text and looking at detailed menu items.
Now imagine a large roadside billboard.
Drivers might be viewing the screen from 20 or 30 meters away.
Would they benefit from an expensive P1.5 display?
Not really.
At that distance, a P6 or P10 display may look just as good while costing significantly less.
The Biggest Myth About LED Displays
Many buyers believe:
"Smaller pitch always means better."
That isn't necessarily true.
The best LED display isn't the one with the smallest pixel pitch.
It's the one that matches the actual viewing distance.
A P1.2 display in a highway billboard is often unnecessary.
A P10 display in a boardroom is usually a mistake.
The right choice depends entirely on where people will be standing.
A Simple Rule Anyone Can Use
Here's an easy guideline.
Take the closest viewing distance and divide it by two.
For example:
Closest viewer: 4 meters
Recommended pitch: P2
Closest viewer: 8 meters
Recommended pitch: P4
This isn't a strict engineering formula, but it's a great starting point when evaluating options.
Different Places Need Different Pixel Pitches
Meeting Rooms
People sit close to the display.
Recommended:
P1.2
P1.5
P1.8
Retail Stores
Customers walk past and view products from a few meters away.
Recommended:
P1.8
P2
P2.5
Hotel Lobbies
Viewing distances are slightly larger.
Recommended:
P2.5
P3
P4
Shopping Malls
People usually view screens from farther away.
Recommended:
P3
P4
P6
Outdoor Advertising
Long viewing distances make larger pitches more practical.
Recommended:
P6
P8
P10
What About Cost?
This is where pixel pitch becomes really important.
Smaller pitches contain more LEDs.
More LEDs mean:
Higher manufacturing costs
Higher processing requirements
Higher project budgets
A display with a very small pitch may cost substantially more than a larger-pitch display of the same size.
That's why many professional LED consultants focus on finding the most cost-effective pitch rather than the smallest one available.
Choosing the Right Display
Before comparing brands or prices, ask yourself:
How close will viewers stand?
What content will be displayed?
Is the display indoor or outdoor?
What is the available budget?
These answers will usually guide you toward the right pixel pitch much faster than looking at technical specifications alone.
Final Thoughts
Pixel pitch may seem like a small specification, but it has a huge impact on display quality, viewing experience, and project cost.
The next time you see P2.5, P4, or P6 in an LED display specification, you'll know exactly what it means.
And remember:
The goal isn't to buy the highest resolution possible.
The goal is to choose the right resolution for the way people actually view the screen.