IPD stands for interpupillary distance, or in common words; the distance between your two eyes — or more precisely, your two pupils. Getting this distance right is absolutely key to your experience for Virtual Reality, as the panels and lenses will be set wrong if you don’t, giving you a blurry image that also quickly leads to motion sickness.
Note: IPD is usually measured in millimeters, not inch!
When a VR headset measures IPD for you
Some VR headsets can automatically set the lenses at the correct IPD distance for you, such as the Pimax Crystal. One of the requirements is that the headset has eye-tracking. The tiny motors in the Crystal will set the lenses for you, for the best viewing experience.
But headsets like the Crystal Light, you have to set the IPD yourself. Let's look at how to measure your IPD.
How to measure IPD yourself for VR
To measure your IPD (Interpupillary Distance) for a VR headset, follow these steps:
- Stand in Front of a Mirror: Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room. Make sure your face is evenly lit.
- Remove Glasses: If you wear glasses, take them off. IPD measurements are typically taken without glasses.
- Hold a Ruler or a Measuring Tape: Hold a ruler or a measuring tape horizontally in front of your face.
Align with Your Eyes: Close one eye and align the “0” mark on the ruler or tape with the center of your open eye. Ensure the ruler or tape is straight and level. - Measure to the Other Eye: While keeping the ruler or tape steady, open the closed eye and close the other eye. Now, measure from the center of the open eye to the center of the closed eye. This distance is your IPD.
- Record the Measurement: Note down the measurement in millimeters.
Repeat for Accuracy: Repeat the measurement a couple of times to ensure accuracy. - Once you have your IPD measurement, you can usually adjust the IPD setting on your VR headset to match it. This adjustment ensures that the images in the VR headset are properly aligned with your eyes, which is crucial for a comfortable and immersive experience.
Here’s a picture of the IPD-setting wheel on the Pimax Crystal Light:
You can also use IPD apps, but we’ve found these are less reliable than the above method. Or, you can visit an optician and ask there to have your IPD measured.
How to know if you got the right IPD set?
Ensuring you have the correct IPD (Interpupillary Distance) set for your VR headset is important for a comfortable and immersive experience. Here’s how you can know if you’ve got it right:
- Comfort: One of the first signs that your IPD is set correctly is comfort. If you don’t experience eye strain, headaches, or discomfort while using the VR headset, it’s likely that your IPD is set properly.
- Clarity: Adjusting the IPD can improve the clarity and sharpness of the visuals in the VR headset. If the images appear sharp and clear, without any blurriness or double vision, it suggests that your IPD is set correctly.
- Depth Perception: A properly set IPD enhances depth perception in virtual environments. If objects in the VR world appear at the right distance and with the appropriate depth, it indicates that your IPD is calibrated correctly.
- Scale: Pay attention to the scale of objects within the VR environment. If objects appear to be at the correct size and proportion relative to your own perception of space, it’s a sign that your IPD is set accurately.
- Use Built-in Tools: Some VR headsets come with built-in IPD adjustment tools or software. Use these tools to fine-tune your IPD based on the provided guidelines or recommendations.
Test Different Settings: Experiment with adjusting the IPD setting slightly higher or lower than your measured value. See if any adjustments result in improved comfort and visual clarity. - Consult User Manual or Manufacturer: If you’re unsure whether your IPD is set correctly, refer to the user manual of your VR headset or contact the manufacturer for guidance. They may provide specific instructions or recommendations for setting the IPD.
By paying attention to these factors and making adjustments as necessary, you can ensure that your IPD is set correctly for an optimal VR experience.
