In an optical position detecting device, a position detecting section detects the position of a target object on the basis of a result obtained by receiving detection light, which is emitted from a light source section and reflected by the target object, using a light detection section. As seen from an emitting direction of the detection light, the light detection section is located inside a region surrounded by a closed circuit passing through a plurality of the light source sections or inside a region pinched by the plurality of light source sections. The plurality of light source sections has a first light-emitting element, and a second light-emitting element located closer to the light detection section side than the first light-emitting element. The light source driving section alternately turns on the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element.