{"id":1229,"date":"2022-12-07T16:03:51","date_gmt":"2022-12-07T21:03:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1229"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:29","slug":"pupillary-distance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/pupillary-distance","title":{"rendered":"How To Measure Pupillary Distance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You might have seen \u201cPD\u201d on your eye prescription<\/a>, or maybe you were trying to order glasses<\/a> online and got a little confused when prompted for your \u201cpupillary distance.\u201d These aren\u2019t terms you\u2019re likely to hear outside of these scenarios, so don\u2019t worry if they\u2019re new to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll explain what pupillary distance (PD) is and how to measure it yourself with household items or our handy online tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n

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\n\t\t\t\"Get\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Get Your PD Measurement Quick<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t

Measure your pupillary distance in a snap with our online tool (or in the app)<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind your PD online <\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTry our app <\/svg>\n<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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What Is Pupillary Distance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pupillary distance (PD) is the measurement of the distance between your eyes\u2019 pupils, expressed in millimeters. Your optician or eye doctor can measure your PD at your eye exam<\/a> with an instrument called a pupillometer. Sometimes your PD is included on your prescription, but not always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A PD measurement from a pupillometer will always be the most accurate. Still, there are many other ways to get a reliable measurement if needed (we\u2019ll get to measuring methods in just a moment).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Pupillary Distance Is Important<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your eyeglass lenses<\/a> have an \u201coptical center,\u201d which is the ideal spot for your pupil to look through in order to have optimal vision. Having an accurate PD measurement is the key to getting your lenses to line up with your pupils and provide the best possible results from your eyewear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Single PD vs. Dual PD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Single PD is the standard measurement of the distance from the center of one pupil to the other. This is also called \u201cbinocular PD.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dual PD measures the distance between the center of each pupil to the bridge of the nose. That means this measurement has two numbers\u2014the first number is the measurement for the right eye (OD), and the second is for the left eye (OS). A dual PD measurement is usually written like this: 31\/30. This is also known as \u201cmonocular PD\u201d and is helpful if you\u2019re getting progressives<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: OD vs. OS: What Do They Mean?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

A single or dual PD can be used to order any glasses except for reading glasses<\/a>. To get the gross pupillary distance for reading glasses, simply subtract 3 mm from your single PD (or subtract 1.5 mm from each eye\u2019s number in your dual PD) to get your \u201cnear PD.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a \u201cNormal\u201d Pupillary Distance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An average pupillary distance for adults is around 60-64 mm.  But there isn\u2019t really a \u201cnormal\u201d PD\u2014everyone is different, and this number can vary widely from person to person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Measure PD at Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Measuring pupillary distance could be summarized in as few as two simple steps: grabbing a ruler that shows millimeters (or an alternative online tool) and carefully measuring the distance between the centers of your pupils. However, these steps can have many nuances and details involved, and there\u2019s more than just one way to measure PD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever method you try, we recommend that you measure several times to ensure your PD is as accurate as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your prescription includes a prism correction<\/a>, it\u2019s best to have your PD measured by your eye doctor or optician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Measure Pupillary Distance\u2014Option 1: Ruler and a Mirror<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n

To measure your pupillary distance with this method, you\u2019ll need a mirror and a ruler that shows millimeters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n