Products Tested In-House
What Is LED Pitch & Why Does It Matter?
LED pitch is one of the most important factors when selecting the right strip lighting for a project.
It affects how continuous or dotted a lighting run appears once installed and plays a major role in achieving a clean, seamless finish.
Whether lighting a joinery detail, shelf run, or ceiling feature, understanding pitch helps specifiers match the right LED tape to the profile, diffuser, and installation depth. This guide explains what pitch is, how it works, and when it matters most.
What Is LED Pitch?
LED pitch refers to the distance between each LED chip on a strip. It’s typically measured in millimetres (mm), or expressed as LEDs per metre (e.g. 180 LEDs/m).
A smaller pitch means the chips are spaced closer together, producing a smoother, more continuous line of light. A wider pitch results in fewer chips per metre, which can cause visible hotspots or shadowing unless the tape is paired with the right profile and diffuser.
Watch our technical engineer, Jack Bennett, explain LED pitch in detail, compare different chip types, and highlight suitable applications. Click to watch now.
Why Does LED Pitch Matter?
Pitch isn’t just a technical consideration. It directly impacts the visual quality of the lighting and overall installation outcome.
Tapes with narrow pitch reduce spotting and create a cleaner beam, ideal for exposed or close-range lighting.
Wider pitch options are more suited to concealed installations, where direct visibility is limited. Matching pitch to application ensures the final effect aligns with the design intent, whether for seamless feature lighting or practical backlighting.
How Pitch Affects The Visible Lighting Effect
LED pitch directly determines how seamless a lighting line appears once installed. This is especially important in visible applications, such as under-shelf lighting, joinery details, and architectural features.
If the pitch is too wide, the human eye may detect the individual LED points, particularly when viewed up close or when the strip is installed in a shallow profile.
Smaller pitch provides tighter diode spacing, creating a blended beam of light that is smoother and cleaner in appearance. It is the preferred choice for high-spec installations where quality of finish is a priority.
Common Pitch Ranges and Application Types
High-density pitch (180–240 LEDs per metre)
- Used for seamless lighting in joinery, retail display, and architectural detailing. Suitable for shallow extrusions or visible tape installs.
Medium-density pitch (96–120 LEDs per metre)
- A general-purpose range ideal for task lighting, indirect runs, or deeper profiles with some diffusion.
Low-density pitch (30–60 LEDs per metre)
- Best used in concealed installations like coving, plinths, or pelmet lighting where direct visibility is not a concern.
To learn more about LED pitch, watch our technical team demonstrate how different pitches impact light consistency directly on the tape.
FAQs
What pitch should I use for a dot-free finish?
If you're looking for a dot-free finish, we recommend using LED tape with at least 180 LEDs per metre. Pair this with a frosted diffuser or a shallow profile for the most seamless result.
Can I use low-pitch LED tape in visible applications?
Low-pitch LED tape can be used in visible applications only if the profile depth and diffuser fully eliminate spotting. For installations where the tape is exposed, a narrow pitch is strongly advised.
Does pitch affect brightness?
Pitch affects brightness indirectly. A higher pitch tends to distribute light more evenly, but the actual brightness depends on the LED chip type and power rating, not just pitch.
What if I’m lighting a curve or radius?
Pitch is still important around curves, especially for close-up views. For these applications, narrow-pitch LED tape combined with flexible tape helps maintain consistent light distribution.
How do I know if pitch is too wide?
If individual LED dots are still visible after installation with your chosen profile and diffuser, the pitch is likely too wide for that setup and may need to be increased for a smoother result.
Get in touch with Ultra LEDs today
Ultra LEDs supplies a wide range of LED lighting solutions for live events, industrial installations, and retail projects. Contact us to discuss your requirements
Keep Up To Date
Don’t miss out on any fantastic offers or important news by subscribing to our FREE Exclusive Newsletter.
Your data will be held in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found here.
You will receive an email to confirm your subscription.