# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-8x2-lcd-shield/check-out-the-pins.md

# DIY 8x2 LCD Shield

## Check Out the Pins

The first step is to turn over the LCD and check out the pins. Parallel LCDs almost always have 14 or 16 pins. In this model they are all the way to the left, near the label J1. I soldered 2 7-pin female headers for e-z plugging. Somtimes the pins are along the bottom all in a row.![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/000/951/medium800/lcds___displays_lcdrev.jpg?1396767363)

Look closely at the header for the numbers that show which pins are which. In this model, the first pin is at the top right, the second pin is top left, etc till pin 14 in the bottom left.![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/000/952/medium800/lcds___displays_lcdpins.jpg?1396767370)

When the LCD is flipped over, the pinout will be&nbsp;_mirrored_ **,&nbsp;** to help me keep track of it, I made a diagram:| **1** | **2** |
| --- | --- |
| **3** | **4** |
| --- | --- |
| **5** | **6** |
| --- | --- |
| **7** | **8** |
| --- | --- |
| **9** | **10** |
| --- | --- |
| **11** | **12** |
| --- | --- |
| **13** | **14** |
| --- | --- |

Whatever your pinout is, make sure you have a diagram written out since you will need to refer to it many times!- [Previous Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-8x2-lcd-shield/overview-and-parts.md)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-8x2-lcd-shield/headers-and-wiring.md)

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