How to Measure Pupillary Distance At Home

The most accurate way to get your pupillary distance (PD) is by visiting an optometrist for an eye exam. Be sure to request that the PD is added to your prescription, as it’s not always included. Alternatively, you can stop by an optical store, where some opticians will measure your PD with a pupilometer, either for free or a small fee. These are the most reliable methods.

If you’re unable or prefer not to visit an optometrist, there are several at-home methods to measure your PD. While they may not be exact, they can give you a close estimate. These methods include:

STEP 1

Using a Ruler

  1. To measure your pupillary distance with a millimeter ruler and a mirror, follow these steps:
  2. Stand roughly 8 inches from a mirror.
  3. With your eyes open, hold the ruler horizontally against your brow.
  4. Close your right eye and align the 0 mm mark with the center of your left pupil.
  5. Keeping the ruler steady, open your right eye and close your left eye.
  6. Note the millimeter line that lines up with the center of your right pupil. This is your approximate PD.
  7. Repeat the process three times for accuracy.

Step 2

Using Prescription Glasses

If you're asking, "Can I measure PD from my old glasses?" the answer is yes! You’ll need your glasses, a mirror, and a non-permanent marker.

  1. With your glasses on, stand about 8 inches from a mirror.
  2. Close your right eye.
  3. With your left eye, focus on an object around 20 feet away.
  4. Place a dot on your left lens, directly over the object.
  5. Without moving your head, open your right eye and close your left eye.
  6. With your right eye, place a dot on the left lens, directly over the object again.
  7. Now, with both eyes open, check if the dots overlap into a single point.
  8. Take off your glasses and measure the distance between the two dots in millimeters. This is your approximate PD.
  9. Repeat the measurement three times for accuracy.

STEP 3

With a Friend’s Help

If you're having difficulty measuring your PD by yourself, ask a friend to assist! They'll just need a millimeter ruler.

  1. Stand about eight inches away from your friend, facing them with your eyes open.
  2. Look straight ahead and focus on an object around 20 feet away. Be sure not to look at your friend during the measurement.
  3. Have your friend place the ruler against your brow and align the 0 mm mark with the center of one pupil.
  4. Next, they should measure the distance to the center of your other pupil. This is your approximate PD.
  5. Ask your friend to measure three times for accuracy.

After Measure, Now pick