What Is the Difference between Watts and Lumens?
Jonathan N
Last Update 2 months ago
Lumens are the new unit of measurement for light bulbs.
Light bulbs should no longer be purchased according to wattage, as this is an ineffective measure of light output, particularly when selecting energy-efficient, low-watt light bulbs like compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and LEDs. Instead of focusing on wattage, which measures power or energy use, manufacturers are indicating the brightness of their energy-efficient bulbs measured in lumens, which refers to 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.
Here's a simple guide
- 220 lumens: Dim or soft glow, suitable for accent lighting or creating a cozy atmosphere in a small area.
- 400 lumens: Subtle brightness, ideal for illuminating small spaces like hallways or adding ambient light to a room.
- 700 lumens: Moderate brightness, suitable for general lighting in small to medium-sized rooms or task lighting in specific areas.
- 900 lumens: Bright illumination, adequate for general lighting in medium-sized rooms or providing focused light for detailed tasks.
- 1300 lumens: Very bright, suitable for illuminating large spaces or providing ample light for tasks that require high visibility.