How to Calculate LED Screen Resolution & Pick the Perfect Display

October 08, 2025

Selecting the right LED screen is not just about choosing the screen size. Resolution, pixel pitch, and considering distance all contribute to the quality and success of the display. For an event rental LED screen, an outdoor advertising LED screen, or a 3D LED screen for in-depth displays, the right resolution is the difference between a sharp, professional display and a pixelated or blurry one.

This guide explains how to calculate LED screen resolution and how to choose the correct display for your project.

What Is LED Screen Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels that form the screen, typically quoted as width × height (e.g., 1920 × 1080). But a higher resolution isn't always more valuable. It relies on the use of a 3D LED Screen.

Three aspects that dictate resolution:

Pixel pitch -- The distance between the centers of two adjacent pixels, measured in millimeters. The smaller the pitch, the higher the pixel density and the sharper the image.
Screen size -- Larger screens can have more pixels, but this does not always mean higher image density when viewed from afar.
Viewing distance -- The farther the viewer is from the image, the less resolution they will require to view a sharp image.

How to Calculate LED Screen Resolution

Calculation is easy:

Screen resolution = (screen width ÷ pixel pitch) × (screen height ÷ pixel pitch)

Example:

A 5m by 3m screen with a 5mm pixel pitch.
Width: 5000 ÷ 5 = 1000 pixels.
Height: 3000 ÷ 5 = 600 pixels.
Total resolution = 1000 × 600 = 600,000 pixels.

It assists in selecting the type of screen for the project, offering uncompromising vision at a not too prohibitive cost, with a high pixel density.

Recommended Pixel Pitch by Viewing Distance

Basic principle: the closer the viewing distance, the smaller the pixel pitch should be.

P1.5--P2.5: In-house close-up events, corporate presentations.
P3--P5: Rent LED screens, concerts, exhibitions, mid-distance viewing.
P6--P10: Outdoor billboards or stadium screens where people view at a distance.

This compromise prevents unnecessary expense at the cost of quality content.

Choosing the Right LED Screen

Outdoor LED screen resolution is critical, but it is not the sole consideration. Each application requires a different type of screen.

Also Read: Rental LED Video Walls vs. Projectors: Which Offers Better Impact?

Rental LED Screens

Easy setup and takedown.
Typically, P3--P5 pixel pitch, since events tend to be mid-range in distance from the audience.
Lightweight construction allows for easy mobile movement.

Outdoor LED Screens

More brightness is needed to cut through sunlight.
Pixel pitch tends to be P6 to P10, as the audience tends to be farther away.
A weather-resistant design makes them more durable.

3D LED Screens

Demand ultra-high resolutions and high pixel pitch.
Ideal for large advertisements or creative installations.
Requires precise content design to have an optimal impact.

Common LED Screen Selection Mistakes

Many projects fail to achieve the best results with 3D LED screens due to common mistakes. Steer clear of these mistakes:

Overemphasizing resolution requirements -- A massive 4K outdoor LED billboard setup may sound excellent, but at a distance of 50 meters, no one will be able to see the difference.
Ignoring light levels -- Indoor screens won't necessarily have to equal the light levels of outdoor screens.
No maintenance -- Easy access panel screens are a time and cost saver in the long run, so the upkeep is crucial.
Not considering content format -- If your content is created in 1080p, there's no point in spending cash on a 4K screen.

Steps to Choose the Best LED Display

When selecting a screen, do these steps:

Measure your space -- Understand your maximum usage dimension.
Choose your audience distance -- The closer they are, the higher the resolution needed.
Suit the pixel pitch -- Use typical viewing distance guidelines.
Check your content -- Ensure that it is screen resolution-compatible.
Select the screen type -- Rental LED display, outdoor LED display, or 3D LED display - based on your specific application.

Why Screen Resolution Is Important

The right resolution guarantees:

Sharper pictures -- Text, graphics, and video are crisp.
More audience attention -- Individuals regard higher-quality displays more seriously.
Cost savings -- Avoid overspending on unnecessary specifications.

Clarity has an immediate implication on how the audience will receive your message. For advertising, events, or digital installations, clarity establishes credibility.

Conclusion

Getting LED screen resolution precisely is all about balance. Rental LED screens work best with mid-range pitches. Outdoor LED screens need brightness and durability over ultra-high resolution, while 3D LED screens rely on fine pitches to deliver their immersive effect. By calculating the resolution correctly and comparing it to your requirements, you'll get the most brilliant display without overspending.

At Cinstar LED, we offer better-quality rental LED screens, outdoor LED screens, and high-tech 3D LED screens to suit any use.

Contact us now to choose the screen that makes your project transparent and stunning.