One of the most frequent doubts when acquiring an LED screen is defining its dimensions. Choosing a size that is too small reduces visual impact; an excessive one can imply unnecessary spending. The key is to correctly calculate the viewing distance: the physical distance at which the audience will be when viewing the screen.
The viewing distance rule
There is a direct relationship between the audience distance and the optimal screen size. As a practical rule, each meter of viewing distance is equivalent to approximately 10–15 cm of screen height for a comfortable and legible experience.
This translates into the following typical references:
- Shop window or small store (audience at 2–3 meters): a screen of 1.5×1 m or similar is more than enough to capture attention.
- Inside a venue or restaurant (audience at 5 meters): a screen of 2×1.5 m provides a comfortable image from all angles.
- Event room or auditorium (audience at 15–20 meters): a screen of 5×3 m or larger so that content is legible from the back rows.
- Large outdoor format (audience at 50 meters or more): a screen of 20×10 m or larger, typical in festivals, stadiums, or highway billboards.
Size and resolution go hand in hand
Choosing the correct size is not enough without also considering the Pixel Pitch, which determines the resolution. Pixel Pitch is the distance in millimeters between the center of one pixel and the next. The smaller the Pixel Pitch, the greater the pixel density and the sharper the image, especially at short distances.
The most widespread practical rule is that the Pixel Pitch in millimeters should approximately match the viewing distance in meters. For example:
- Audience at 2 meters → Pixel Pitch P2 or lower.
- Audience at 4 meters → Pixel Pitch P4.
- Audience at 10 meters → Pixel Pitch P10 is sufficient.
For long distances, selecting a very fine Pixel Pitch is unnecessary and increases the project cost without providing visual benefit. For short distances, a coarse Pixel Pitch generates an image with visible dots that looks unesthetic.
Available space also matters
In addition to the distance from the audience, the physical dimensions of the available space—the shop window gap, the back wall, the facade—limit the maximum possible size. Thanks to the modular structure of LED screens, LEDLEMON can manufacture exactly the dimensions you need: there are no mandatory standard sizes, each screen is built custom.
Do you have doubts about your project?
LEDLEMON's technical team will help you define the perfect size and Pixel Pitch for your installation. Tell us about your space and viewing distance, and we will propose the most efficient solution for your quote.