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When using the RPi.GPIO library in Python you have to call

import RPi.GPIO as GPIO

and then

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BOARD)

or

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)

What is the difference between these two options?

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  • 2
    I use pinout.xyz, easy to follow images and cool UI :)
    – STEEL
    Dec 1, 2019 at 15:55

1 Answer 1

189

I got the information below from here.

The GPIO.BOARD option specifies that you are referring to the pins by the number of the pin on the plug - i.e the numbers printed on the board (e.g. P1) and in the middle of the diagrams below.

The GPIO.BCM option means that you are referring to the pins by the "Broadcom SOC channel" number, these are the numbers after "GPIO" in the green rectangles around the outside of the below diagrams:

Unfortunately the BCM numbers changed between versions of the Pi1 Model B, and you'll need to work out which one you have guide here. So it may be safer to use the BOARD numbers if you are going to use more than one Raspberry Pi in a project.

  • The Model B+ uses the same numbering as the Model B r2.0, and adds new pins (board numbers 27-40).
  • The Raspberry Pi Zero, Pi 2B, Pi 3B, and Pi 4B use the same numbering as the B+.

Pi1 Model B+, Pi 2B, Pi Zero, Pi 3B, and Pi 4B: GPIO pin numbering diagram


Pi 1 Model B Revision 2.0:

GPIO pin numbering diagram


Pi 1 Model B Revision 1.0: GPIO pin numbering diagram

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    And for completeness the A is the same as later model B boards and the A+ is the same as the B+. Jun 8, 2017 at 12:58
  • 4
    It's annoying. Just put two small numbers by each pin. Seriously @LadyAda
    – user2497
    Aug 28, 2017 at 22:16

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