👁️
Pupillary Distance Helper
Step-by-step guide to measure your pupillary distance for ordering glasses online.
Your PD in millimeters. This is the distance between the center of each pupil.
Different methods have different accuracy levels.
Progressive lenses need both far and near PD values.
About This Tool
Pupillary distance (PD) is the one measurement you need to order glasses online, yet most eye doctors leave it off your prescription. This PD helper validates your measurement, categorizes it, calculates near PD for progressive lenses, and tells you exactly what to enter on eyewear sites. Pair it with our Glasses Frame Size Calculator for a complete online ordering toolkit.
How to Use
Enter your PD in millimeters. To measure at home, hold a mm ruler against your brow, close your right eye to align zero with your left pupil, then switch eyes to read the right pupil measurement. Select your method and glasses type for tailored advice. For frame sizing, use our Glasses Frame Size Calculator alongside this tool.
FAQ
Why do I need my PD for online glasses?
PD ensures the optical center of each lens aligns with your pupils. If it is off, you get eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. It is critical for progressive lenses where reading, intermediate, and distance zones must align. Single-vision lenses are more forgiving but still need to be within 2mm. Our Glasses Frame Size Calculator handles the frame dimensions side of the equation.
What is the difference between monocular and binocular PD?
Binocular PD is the total distance between both pupils (one number, like 64mm). Monocular PD measures each pupil to the nose bridge center (two numbers, like 31.5 and 32.5mm). Monocular is more accurate since most faces are not perfectly symmetrical. If you only have binocular PD, dividing by two gives a close approximation for each eye.
What are the most common mistakes when measuring PD at home?
The three biggest mistakes: measuring too high or low (aim for the pupil center, not the iris edge), not keeping the ruler level, and tilting your head. Do not have someone measure you from close range - parallax throws off the reading. Use a mirror instead, or try a phone app like GlassesOn. Our Face Shape Analyzer also uses mirror-based observation for best results.
Get weekly tips to level up
Join 2,000+ men getting actionable style, fitness, and life advice every week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.