Prescription help

Pupillary Distance

Before you order prescription lenses, you'll need your pupillary distance (PD). It's often printed on your prescription — and if it isn't, you can measure it at home in a couple of minutes with our printable ruler.

Diagram of two eyes showing total pupillary distance (single PD) and the right and left measurements that make up a dual PD
THE BASICS

What is pupillary distance?

Pupillary distance (PD) is the distance in millimeters between the centers of your pupils. It's a required part of filling any prescription: it positions the optical center of each lens exactly in front of your eye, so you look through the right part of the lens.

Where do I find my PD on my prescription?

Your PD may or may not be listed on your prescription. It's usually written as one number, but it can also appear as two separate numbers — that's a dual PD.

Single PD is the distance from the center of one pupil to the center of the other, written as one number.

Dual PD is measured from the center of each pupil to the center of your nose, so it's written as two numbers. The first is always the right eye (OD), the second the left eye (OS).

You can enter either a single or dual PD when you build your pair. If your PD isn't on your prescription, measure it with our printable ruler using the steps below, or ask your eye care provider — they can give it to you in seconds.

How to measure your PD — with a helper

The easiest way: have someone read the ruler for you.

1. Print & fold

Print the PD ruler at 100% scale (no “fit to page”), then fold it along the dotted line that separates the two measuring methods.

2. Look straight ahead

Flip to the side marked “WITH HELP.” Focus on something 10 to 20 feet ahead of you to keep your eyes steady.

3. Place the ruler

Your helper places the ruler against your forehead, right at your brow line.

4. Read the number

Align the zero directly over the center of your RIGHT pupil. The millimeter mark that lines up with the center of your LEFT pupil is your PD.

Tip: your helper may need to close one eye to read the mark accurately.

How to measure your PD — with a mirror

No helper? You can do it yourself.

1. Print & fold

Print the ruler at 100% scale and fold it along the dotted line, then flip to the side marked “WITH A MIRROR.”

2. Stand at the mirror

Stand about 8 inches from a mirror and look straight ahead.

3. Line up the zero

Hold the ruler horizontally just above your eyes, with the zero directly over the center of your LEFT pupil. Rest it against your forehead for stability.

4. Read the number

Cover or close your LEFT eye. The millimeter mark that lines up with the center of your RIGHT pupil is your PD.

PD questions

  • Most adults measure somewhere between 57 and 65 mm. There's no single “normal” PD — everyone is different, and the number varies widely from person to person.

  • No — your PD isn't on your frames. Look for it on the prescription from your eye care professional. If it isn't listed there, follow the steps above to measure it.

  • PD changes as you grow. Once you've stopped growing it stays essentially the same, changing only slightly if at all.

  • No. PD only affects how your lenses are cut and positioned — it has no effect on the frame size you should choose. Use our sizing guide to find your fit.

  • Either works. Enter whichever your prescription lists. If you measured at home with the ruler, you'll have a single PD.

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