VGA Pinout Diagram and 15-Pin Signal Map
15-pin d-sub connector
Standards: VESA DDC, VESA EDID, VESA DMT, IBM VGA Standard
What is the VGA pinout?
The VGA (DE-15) Video Connector has 15 pins. Pin 1 is RED (analog). Pin 2 is GREEN (analog). Pin 3 is BLUE (analog). Pin 4 is ID2 (reserved). Plus 11 more pins.
Standards: VESA DDC, VESA EDID, VESA DMT, IBM VGA Standard
Pin Assignment Table
| Pin | Signal | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RED | analog | Analog Red Video (0-0.7V) |
| 2 | GREEN | analog | Analog Green Video (0-0.7V) |
| 3 | BLUE | analog | Analog Blue Video (0-0.7V) |
| 4 | ID2 | reserved | Monitor ID Bit 2 (Reserved) |
| 5 | GND | ground | Ground |
| 6 | RED_RTN | ground | Red Return (Ground) |
| 7 | GREEN_RTN | ground | Green Return (Ground) |
| 8 | BLUE_RTN | ground | Blue Return (Ground) |
| 9 | KEY | power | +5V DC (DDC Power) |
| 10 | GND | ground | Sync Ground |
| 11 | ID0 | reserved | Monitor ID Bit 0 |
| 12 | SDA | data | I2C Data (DDC) |
| 13 | HSYNC | data | Horizontal Sync (TTL) |
| 14 | VSYNC | data | Vertical Sync (TTL) |
| 15 | SCL | data | I2C Clock (DDC) |
Signal Types
Common Applications
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Use the pinout as a working reference now, then jump to the full library or the next workflow when you need it.
Browse more connector references →The VGA connector has 15 pins: Pin 1 (RED), Pin 2 (GREEN), Pin 3 (BLUE), and Pin 4 (ID2). Plus 11 more pins. Common in Legacy computer monitors and Projectors and presentation systems.
VGA Wiring Guide: RGB Signals & DDC
VGA (Video Graphics Array) transmits analog video using three separate channels for Red, Green, and Blue color signals, each operating at 0-0.7V peak-to-peak into a 75-ohm load. The connector includes dedicated horizontal sync (HSYNC) and vertical sync (VSYNC) timing signals that operate at TTL levels (0-5V) to coordinate the display refresh. Unlike digital interfaces, VGA requires precise analog signal integrity - each RGB channel has its own dedicated ground return pin to minimize crosstalk and maintain color accuracy. The DDC (Display Data Channel) pins enable automatic monitor detection and EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) exchange using the I2C protocol, allowing the graphics card to query the monitor's supported resolutions and timings.
Wiring Tips & Best Practices
RGB signals are analog 0-0.7V into 75 ohms - use 75-ohm coaxial cable or shielded twisted pairs for best quality. Each RGB signal has a dedicated ground return (pins 6, 7, 8) that must be connected for proper signal integrity. The HSYNC (pin 13) and VSYNC (pin 14) are TTL-level digital signals (0-5V) that control display timing. For DDC/EDID to work, pin 9 must provide +5V power (up to 50mA) to the monitor's EDID EEPROM, and the I2C data (SDA, pin 12) and clock (SCL, pin 15) lines must be connected. When building VGA to component video (YPbPr) adapters, the RGB signals can be converted using simple resistor networks, but sync-on-green or separate sync conversion may be required. For long cable runs (over 5 meters), use high-quality shielded cables with larger gauge conductors to reduce signal loss.
Common Issues
Missing DDC pins on cheap cables prevents monitor detection - the display may show 'no signal' or default to a low resolution. Ground loops between the PC and monitor cause visible hum bars or color tinting - ensure proper electrical grounding. Bent pins from forcing connectors are common; always align the connector carefully before inserting. Long cable runs (over 10-15 meters) cause signal degradation visible as blurry text, color fringing, or ghosting - use active VGA boosters or switch to digital interfaces for long distances. Cheap passive VGA-to-HDMI adapters do not work because they lack the required analog-to-digital conversion circuitry - always use active converters with built-in ADCs. Some monitors with DDC issues can be fixed by adding pull-up resistors (2.2k to 4.7k ohms) to the SCL and SDA lines. For retro gaming, ensure your display supports the non-standard refresh rates (50Hz PAL, 15kHz arcade) that vintage systems output.
Why Use Interactive Diagrams?
- Accuracy: Hover over pins to see exact signal names and descriptions
- Clarity: Color-coded by signal type (power, ground, data)
- Printable: Export clean diagrams for shop floor reference