Choosing the Right Size + Pitch

Choosing the Right Size and Pitch for Your LED Sign

The Old Rules vs. Today’s Reality

Not long ago, matching the right pitch (pixel spacing) to the size of a digital sign was critical. The technology was limited, and price differences between pitches were extreme. Choosing wrong could mean wasting money or ending up with an underperforming display.

Today, things have changed. Advances in LED technology and reduced pricing mean you can “break the rules” a little and still achieve excellent results. Size and pitch still matter, but they no longer make or break a sign the way they once did.

So why dedicate a whole page to this topic? Because understanding how size and pitch work together helps you make the smartest choice for your business.

How Size Affects Visibility

The size of your sign determines how well it will be seen at the distance your audience views it from.

  • A 4×8 sign might look large on a 12-foot building, but on a highway it will appear tiny.

  • The farther your audience is from the sign, the larger the sign needs to be.

That’s why size comes before pitch. And location comes before both.

Rule of Thumb: Start with the biggest sign that fits your application and budget. Then consider resolution (pitch).

How Pitch Fits Into the Equation

Pitch refers to the spacing of LEDs (e.g., P10 = 10 mm spacing). Smaller pitch = tighter resolution = sharper image.

Here’s the relationship between size and pitch:

  • Large Signs: The bigger the sign, the less critical pitch becomes. Larger dimensions add more rows of LEDs, which naturally increases resolution.

  • Small Signs: Smaller displays have fewer pixels, so pitch matters more. Using tighter modules (like P6 or P8) places LEDs closer together, creating smoother, more TV-like images.

The Technology Advantage Today

Modern LED signs are brighter, sharper, and more affordable than ever:

  • P10 remains the sweet spot. It’s still the most popular resolution and can reach up to 10,000 nits of brightness. That’s powerful enough for small storefronts and large billboards.

  • Tighter pitches (P8, P6, even P4) are now much more affordable. These options deliver sharper, high-definition visuals that can make smaller signs look like giant TVs.

  • Brightness trade-offs: As you move to higher resolution (smaller pitch), maximum brightness decreases. For example, a P6 sign may look fantastic up close but may not reach 10,000 nits, which could matter in direct sunlight or highway use.

Making the Smart Choice

Here’s how to approach it:

  1. Start with your location and audience distance. Bigger is better if your budget and site allow it.

  2. Pick your size first. That will drive visibility and effectiveness.

  3. Choose pitch based on your needs. For large signs, a P10 is often ideal. For smaller signs where people stand close, consider P8 or P6.

  4. Balance resolution and brightness. If your environment is very bright (e.g., highway, sun-facing), prioritize brightness.

The Bottom Line

Size, pitch, and location still matter — but the “rules” are far more flexible today. With modern technology, even entry-level pitches like P10 deliver vibrant, eye-catching ads that outperform static signs. And with tighter pitches now affordable, you can create stunning, TV-like visuals that wow your audience without breaking your budget.

In short: Choose the biggest sign you can, then match the pitch to your environment and goals. Either way, you’ll end up with a beautiful LED sign that drives results and makes your business stand out.