In the present work, xPr(3+):NaGd(WO4)(2) (0.5 <= x <= 5.0 mol%) sub-micron phosphors were synthesised by sol-gel method. Low cost precursors of metal nitrates and low temperature thermal treatment was used compared to conventional solid state reaction. The formation of highly crystalline phosphors with tetragonal structure was confirmed by XRD and increase of Pr3+ ions content in host matrix leads to expansion of the unit cell volume. The surface morphology, size and particle distribution of the phosphors were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). A rectangular shape particle with a size distribution ranging from 400 to 600 nm and tightly packed surface was seen in FE-SEM micrographs. The various internal and external phonon modes vibration corresponding to double tungstate structure was observed in Raman spectra. The optical properties of the synthesised phosphors were explored by ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) absorption in diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. UV-Vis measurements distinguished the host and Pr3+ absorption and also reveal an increase in optical band gap values with an increase of Pr3+. The PL measurements show various emissions from green and red regions under 450 nm. The maximum intensity emission at 489 nm is due to P-3(0) -> H-3(4) transition of Pr3+. From the maximum emission the critical doping concentration was calculated to be at 3.5 mol% and critical distance between two adjacent Pr3+ ions as 20.43 angstrom. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.