LED Lighting, Lighting 101

LED Lumens To Watts Conversion Chart

LED Lumens to Watts Conversion Chart - The Lightbulb Co. UK

Lumens are the new unit of measurement for light bulbs

For decades, we’ve been buying light bulbs according to wattage. But as energy-efficient, low-watt light bulbs like CFLs and LEDs have become readily available, watts have become an unreliable metric for selecting bulbs. Instead of focusing on wattage, which measures power or energy use, manufacturers are indicating the brightness of their energy-efficient bulbs according to lumens, which measure light output. So while we may be accustomed to shopping for bulbs according to wattage, lumens are actually a more accurate measurement of how bright your light will be.

Converting Lumens to Watts

How many lumens are in a watt? Because lumens measure brightness and watts measure energy output, there is no simple method for converting wattage to lumens. With energy-efficient lighting like LEDs and CFLs, how many lumens are in a 60W bulb or 100W bulb depends on the lumen output of the bulb, not its energy use.

Don’t despair! Measuring and labelling light output instead of energy use actually makes it easier for you to find the right energy-efficient bulb for your space. Use this chart to determine how many lumens you’ll need from your next light bulb. For example, if you typically purchase 60W incandescent bulbs, which produce about 700-800 lumens, consider purchasing a lower energy alternative like a 42W halogen bulb, 12W CFL, or even a 10W LED bulb to achieve the same brightness.

Click the equivalent wattage in the lumens vs. watts chart below to shop for the right light bulb for your space.

LumensEquivalent
Wattage
5.2watt Golfball LED SES E14 Small Screw Cap Warm White Equivalent to 40watt Dimmable25025
GLS9ESLED2700BELEDCANDLE8BCPRLWWDIMST5.2watt Golfball LED SES E14 Small Screw Cap Warm White Equivalent to 40watt Dimmable47040
GLS9ESLED2700BELEDCANDLE8BCPRLWWDIMST5.2watt Golfball LED SES E14 Small Screw Cap Warm White Equivalent to 40watt Dimmable80660
GLS9ESLED2700BE1521100

For More Information

The above graph shows simple comparisons of basic lumens to watts. Click the wattage values to shop for bulbs. For more detailed information about specific comparisons, call us on: 01869 362222 or email us at support@thelightbulb.co.uk

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About Nicky Walker

Nicola is a lighting specialist at The Lightbulb Company with a keen awareness of the important role lighting plays in our everyday lives. She enjoys discovering new ways in which lighting can affect science, mental health and of course, most of all, reduce our carbon footprints.