P1.86 vs P2.5: what pixel pitch do you actually need?

Every LED display has a "P number" — P1.86, P2.5, P4 and so on. Suppliers throw these around like everyone knows what they mean. Here's the plain-English version, and how to avoid paying for resolution you don't need.

What the P number means

Pixel pitch is the distance between the centres of two neighbouring LEDs, in millimetres. P2.5 means the pixels are 2.5 mm apart; P1.86 means 1.86 mm. Smaller number → pixels packed tighter → sharper image, especially up close → higher price, because the same screen area contains far more LEDs.

The only question that matters: how close will people stand?

A useful rule of thumb: minimum comfortable viewing distance in metres ≈ the P number. A P2.5 screen looks clean from about 2.5 m; a P1.86 from under 2 m. Stand closer than that and you start seeing individual dots.

When P1.86 is worth the extra money

• Customers stand within arm's reach — a menu screen at the counter, a window display on a narrow footpath.
• You'll show small text or detailed images — price lists, product photos, fine branding.
• You're a premium brand where visible pixels would look off.

When P2.5 is the smarter buy

• Viewers are 2–3 metres away or more — which covers most shopfronts. From that distance, P2.5 and P1.86 look nearly identical, but P2.5 costs noticeably less.
• You're showing bold, simple content — offers, big text, video. Motion hides pitch.
• The unit is above head height — mounting height adds viewing distance for free.

One more thing: GOB protection

Fine-pitch panels have tiny, exposed LEDs that are easy to damage. GOB (glue-on-board) panels are sealed under a protective layer, so an accidental knock, dust or moisture doesn't kill pixels — worth having on any screen the public can touch.