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Glasses
How-To Guides
How to Measure Your PD
When buying a new pair of glasses, it’s important to know what your pupillary distance (also called PD) is. If you don’t know, we’re here to show you how to easily measure your PD at home. Its easy! Watch the video or read the article below. Download and print this ruler to measure your own PD.
1. What is PD

PD is the distance in millimeters between the centers of your pupils. PD measurement is used to make sure your lenses are optically centered, and it determines where you will look through the lenses of your glasses. It’s important that this measurement will be as accurate as possible for an optimal experience when buying glasses online.

2. How to Measure Your PD

Eye doctors should list your PD when they fill out a prescription for you, but sometimes they don’t. No worries, if it’s not there, you can still measure your pupillary distance on your own at home.

All you need is a mirror, a ruler and to follow these steps:

  1. Stand in front of a mirror, 8 inches away.
  2. Hold the ruler against your eyebrow. Keep your face straight.
  3. Close your right eye. Position the ruler’s 0 mm line above the left pupil’s center.
  4. Look straight. Open your right eye and close your left one.
  5. The distance (in mm) between the ruler’s starting point and the right pupil’s center is your PD.
That’s it, you have your PD. We recommend measuring your pupillary distance 3 times to make sure the measurements are consistent and accurate - especially if you intend to get progressive lenses.
3. Getting Help from a Friend

You might find it easier to ask a friend to help you measure your PD. The way to do it is to face your friend and look straight ahead with both eyes open. Then, have your friend place the zero on the millimeter ruler over the center of one pupil and after that, have her/him measure the distance to the center of the other pupil.

4. Tips When a Friend is Measuring:
  • Stand while your friend sits so he or she is out of your field of vision.
  • Keep your head still.
  • Have your friend repeat the process a few times to ensure accuracy.
  • Don’t look at your friend while measuring!
5. A Few Last Things to Keep in Mind
  • The average PD measurement for an adult is 62 millimeters, so if you order glasses and don’t fill in your pupillary distance value, your glasses will be crafted based on the adult average.
  • The normal range for an adult PD is 54-74 mm
  • For kids’ glasses, the normal PD range is 43-54 mm
Now that you know how to measure your PD, it’s time to get a new pair of glasses! Discover 1000s of eyeglasses and sunglasses styles for men, women and kids, including designer brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol and many more. Available with all prescription types.
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