Custom LED Screen Cost: The All-In Breakdown
A panel quote is not the finished cost. This page breaks down everything that goes into a custom LED screen — including the hidden 20–60% — so your budget is realistic.
When people ask what a custom LED screen costs, they usually get a per-square-metre panel price — but that is only part of the story. A raw panel quote is roughly 80% of the finished cost; the control system, mounting, shipping and commissioning make up the rest, and overlooked items can add 20–60% on top.
This page breaks down the full, all-in cost so your budget holds up. For the factors that move the per-m² price itself, see our LED screen price page; to get an itemised number, EKINTRY quotes yours factory-direct.
Who custom screens are for
- Buyers setting a realistic project budget.
- Finance/procurement reviewing a screen quote.
- Anyone burned by a "panel-only" price before.
- Integrators costing a full installation.
What goes into the all-in cost
A working screen is a system, not just modules. The full cost includes:
- LED modules and cabinets — the largest single part.
- Receiving cards, processor/controller and content system.
- Mounting structure, brackets or rigging.
- Export packing, shipping, duties and spares.
- Installation and commissioning (often local).
The hidden 20–60%
Industry-wide, the raw panel is about 80% of the final price; the "hidden" hardware and services add roughly 20–60% depending on the project. A coarse outdoor billboard adds structure; a fine-pitch indoor wall adds processing and fine alignment. Budgeting only the panel is the most common costing error.
Worked example
Take an indoor 3m × 2m (6 m²) screen at a mid pitch around US$900/m²: the panels are about US$5,400. Add controller, mounting, packing and shipping and the all-in figure typically lands meaningfully higher — we itemise each line so there are no surprises.
Running cost over time
Beyond purchase, factor power draw (brightness scheduling helps), spare modules and the occasional module swap. Quality LED lasts 100,000+ hours and is serviced at module level, so lifetime cost stays low relative to the visual impact.
Common mistakes to avoid
The costliest assumptions:
- Budgeting the panel price as the finished cost.
- Forgetting structure, rigging or wind load on outdoor builds.
- Leaving out shipping, duties and spares.
- Ignoring running cost and serviceability over the screen’s life.
| LED panels | ~80% of the final cost |
|---|---|
| Control / processing | Part of the hidden 20–60% |
| Mounting / rigging | Varies by install type |
| Shipping & spares | Quoted to your country |
| Lifespan | 100,000+ hours, module-serviced |
Information we need to quote you
- Size or area, and pixel pitch (or viewing distance).
- Indoor or outdoor, and mounting type.
- Delivery country (for shipping/duties).
- Install support needed?
- A photo or drawing of the location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the cost of a custom LED screen?
Panels and cabinets, the controller/processor and content system, mounting or rigging, export packing and shipping, spares, and installation/commissioning. The panel alone is only about 80% of the final cost.
How much do the "hidden" costs add?
Typically 20–60% on top of the panel price, depending on the project — control hardware, structure, shipping and install. We itemise these up front.
How much is a 3m × 2m indoor screen?
The 6 m² of panels at a mid indoor pitch (~US$900/m²) is about US$5,400; the all-in figure is higher once controller, mounting and shipping are added. We confirm with an itemised quote.
What are the ongoing running costs?
Mainly power (managed with brightness scheduling) and occasional module replacement. Quality screens last 100,000+ hours and are serviced at module level.
Why is a panel-only quote misleading?
Because it omits the control system, mounting, shipping and install — roughly 20–60% of the real cost. Always compare all-in figures.
Can you give me an itemised quote?
Yes — send your spec and delivery country and we break the cost down line by line, factory-direct.