Pupillary Distance (PD)

What is Pupillary Distance?

Pupillary Distance (PD) is the distance in millimeters between the center of your eyes’ pupils. The typical PD range is between 57 and 65 mm.

Your PD is needed for ordering glasses because it is used to custom-fit your glasses’ lenses to focus directly over your pupils, allowing you to see your personal best.

How Do I Get My PD?

We recommend you get your PD from your eye doctor or another eye care professional. When you have a standard eye exam, simply ask for your PD along with your glasses prescription. This is an extra measurement not usually done during the exam, so they may ask you to pay a small additional fee.

If you have already had your exam and still need your PD, you can also go into an eye office or retail location that sells glasses. They will be able to measure your PD on-site. While many places will do this at no charge, don't be surprised if they ask you to pay a small fee for their time and service.

Measuring Your PD Yourself

If you can’t get to the eye doctor and still need your PD, follow these steps to measure your PD yourself.

Have ready: a straight ruler*, a pencil, and a mirror

1. Facing the mirror, place the ruler on the bridge of your nose, bringing the start of the ruler directly below the center of one eye’s pupil.
2. Looking straight into the mirror, hold the ruler (keeping it steady and parallel to the floor!) and mark the location on the ruler of the other eye’s pupil.
3. Measure the distance in millimeters between the two marks. This is your PD.
4. Repeat this process a couple of times to ensure you have an accurate measurement.

If you have a willing assistant, you can simplify the process even further by having your friend measure your PD using a ruler. (Your job will be to stand still.)

Whether measuring with someone or alone, be sure to hold the ruler steady and parallel to the floor!

*Note: You could also use another straight object (a book, magazine, piece of cardstock, etc.) on which to mark the location of each pupil, then measure the distance of your marks. (Of course, make sure your first mark stays in place while you make your second mark so the distance will be accurate.)

Always Know Your PD

Remember to always ask for your PD and a copy of your glasses prescription at each of your eye examinations and you’ll have everything you need to order glasses where you want, when you want.

Where to Next?

Learn how to find the perfect frame for you in “How to Choose a Frame” or start browsing our 500+ frames now!

Still have questions about your PD or anything else (glasses-related)? Contact us!

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