Print at 100% / actual size and verify the physical scale before use.
Printable PD Ruler
Print this PD ruler at actual size, check it against a standard bank card and measure your pupillary distance in a mirror. It runs to 80 mm with millimetre marks, prints from any browser and can be saved as a PDF.
Free local start0–80 mm real-size scale
Pupillary distance ruler
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Standard card calibration85.60 mm × 53.98 mm
- Choose 100% or “actual size” in print settings.
- Verify the scale with a standard bank-card-sized card.
- Keep your head level at a mirror and repeat three times.
What is a printable PD ruler?
Pupillary distance, or PD, is the gap between the centres of your pupils in millimetres, and glasses retailers ask for it so the optical centre of each lens lines up with your eyes. A printable PD ruler is a paper millimetre scale you hold under your eyes to read that distance. Most adults measure between about 54 and 74 mm, so this printable PD ruler covers 0 to 80 mm with clear marks every millimetre and stronger marks every 5 and 10 mm.
A millimetre ruler built for PD
The zero mark sits at the left edge so you can line it up with the centre of one pupil and read the other directly. Longer ticks every 5 and 10 mm make it quick to count in a mirror, where small numbers are harder to see.
Check your eye shapeChecked against a bank card
Printers often shrink pages without warning. A box the size of a standard bank or ID card, 85.60 × 53.98 mm, is printed beside the ruler. Lay a real card over it: if the edges match, the printable PD ruler is at true size. Check the card box again whenever you use a different printer, paper size or browser.
Check your face symmetryWhat this tool gives you0–80 mm real-size scale Standard card calibration Monocular and binocular guides
Print at 100% / actual size and verify the physical scale before use.
Print at 100% / actual size and verify the physical scale before use.
Why use our printable PD ruler?
Retailer rulers are often tied to one shop and come as fixed downloads. This printable PD ruler works with any glasses order, is generated at true size in your browser and includes the card check, so you know the scale is right before you measure. It also suits children's frames, since the scale starts at zero, and works just as well when a helper measures someone else.
Free and ready to print
There is nothing to install and no account. Use Print at actual size, or choose Save as PDF in the print dialog to keep a copy for later or for someone else in the family.
Read the privacy policyOr skip the ruler entirely
If you would rather not print anything, the online PD measurement tool estimates your pupillary distance from one photo using iris landmarks. Many people use both and compare the results.
Measure pupillary distance onlineHow to measure PD with the printable ruler in 3 steps
Print at actual size and check the card box
In the print dialog choose 100% or Actual size and turn off Fit to page. Hold a bank card against the printed box; if it does not match exactly, adjust the print settings and print again.
Print a lash mapping template the same wayStand at a mirror and hold the ruler level
Stand about 20 cm from a mirror, keep your head level and hold the ruler flat under your eyes, resting lightly on your cheekbones. Look straight ahead at your own reflection.
Use a true mirror viewRead the distance three times
Close your right eye and line zero up with the centre of your left pupil. Then close your left eye, open the right and read the mark at the centre of the right pupil. Repeat three times and use the most common reading. Write the number down with the date so it is ready for your next glasses order, and keep the printable PD ruler with it.
Check your canthal tilt
How it works
- 1Choose the pattern or use the calibrated default scale.
- 2Select 100% / actual size and disable fit-to-page.
- 3Verify the scale line or card box before measuring.
Printable PD ruler FAQ
How to measure PD with ruler?
Stand about 20 cm from a mirror, hold the ruler level under your eyes and close your right eye. Line zero up with the centre of your left pupil, then switch eyes and read the mark under the centre of your right pupil. Repeat three times for a reliable number.
How to use a PD ruler?
Print it at actual size and check the scale with the card box first. Then hold it flat under your eyes, keep your head level and read from the centre of one pupil to the centre of the other while looking straight ahead.
How do I measure PD with someone helping?
Sit facing your helper about 40 cm apart with your eyes at the same height. They hold the ruler flat under your eyes. The helper closes their right eye and you look into their open left eye while they line zero up with the centre of your right pupil. Then they close their left eye, open their right, you look into it, and they read the mark at the centre of your left pupil. Swapping eyes this way keeps your gaze straight for each reading. Repeat three times and keep the most common number.
Can I measure my PD with a regular ruler?
Yes, any ruler with millimetre marks works the same way. A PD ruler simply starts at zero right at the edge and makes the marks easier to read in a mirror.
How to measure PD without a ruler?
Use the online PD measurement tool: upload a front photo and it estimates your pupillary distance from the size of your irises. You can also ask an optician, who can measure it in seconds.
What is a PD ruler?
A PD ruler is a short millimetre scale designed for measuring pupillary distance in a mirror or by a helper. This one is printable, runs from 0 to 80 mm and includes a card box to confirm the scale.
Is there a printable PD ruler PDF?
Yes. Open the print dialog and choose Save as PDF. Keep the scale at 100% so the saved PDF prints at true size later.
How do I print a PD ruler at actual size?
Choose 100% or Actual size, turn off Fit to page and any scaling, then compare the printed card box with a real bank card.
Is this printable PD ruler free?
Yes. The printable PD ruler is free to print and save as many times as you like, with no account.
Can I use a printable PD ruler for ordering glasses?
Yes, for most single-vision orders a careful home measurement is enough. For strong or progressive prescriptions, ask an optician to measure or confirm your PD. Some retailers also ask for a near PD for reading glasses, which is usually about 3 mm less than the distance PD.
How does the card check work?
The printed box is 85.60 × 53.98 mm, the size of a standard bank or ID card. If your card covers it exactly, the page printed at true size.
How long is the ruler?
It runs from 0 to 80 mm, which covers adult and child pupillary distances with room to spare.
How accurate is a printable PD ruler?
With a correct print and three careful readings, most people land within about 1 mm. Head tilt and looking at the ruler instead of straight ahead are the usual causes of error.
Does the ruler page use my camera or photo?
No. The ruler is drawn in your browser and printed; no camera, photo or upload is involved.