Lumens vs. Watts: How do you choose the right light intensity?
When switching from incandescent or halogen to LED, it’s important to stop looking at watts and focus on lumens instead. Lumens indicate how much light a lamp actually produces.
In the past, we determined a lamp’s light intensity based on wattage, but this is no longer a reliable measure for LED lamps. LED lighting uses much less energy than incandescent and halogen lamps while maintaining the same light output.
To help you choose the right LED lamp, we explain how many lumens you need and which LED replacement is the best choice.
Comparing lumens with watts
Below is an overview of the light output of different incandescent bulb wattages and the corresponding wattage for LED and halogen lamps.
| Incandescent bulb wattage | Light output (lumens) | LED wattage | Halogen wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 watts | 100 - 150 lm | 2 - 3W | 10W |
| 25 watts | 200 - 300 lm | 3 - 4W | 20W |
| 40 watts | 400 - 500 lm | 4 - 6W | 35W |
| 60 watts | 700 - 800 lm | 7 - 10W | 50W |
| 75 watts | 900 - 1000 lm | 10 - 12W | 65W |
| 100 watts | More than 1300 lm | 12 - 15W | 75W+ |
These are general guidelines. The exact light output and required wattage may vary by brand and type of LED lamp.
An LED lamp of just 10 watts can produce the same amount of light as an old-fashioned 60-watt incandescent bulb. This means an 80 percent energy saving without compromising on light quality.
How many lumens do I need?
The number of lumens you need depends on the room and how the lighting is used. Below, you’ll find a useful guideline.
| Application | Recommended lumens per m² | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient lighting | 100 - 200 lm | Candlelight, table lamp |
| Living room | 300–500 lm per m² | Pendant lamp or track lighting |
| Kitchen | 500–700 lm per m² | Countertop lighting |
| Bathroom | 500–800 lm per m² | Mirror lighting |
| Workspace | 700–1000 lm per m² | Desk or reading lamp |
| Showroom or shop | 800–1200 lm per m² | Accent and display lighting |
For a 20 m² living room, you need approximately 6,000 to 10,000 lumens for good general lighting.
Want more ambiance? Choose several light sources instead of one bright lamp.
Dimmable LED lighting for extra flexibility
Want more light at one moment and less at another? Then a dimmable LED lamp is a smart choice.
There are several dimming options:
- Manually dim with an LED dimmer. This only works if the LED lamp is explicitly marked as dimmable.
- Smart lighting, which allows you to adjust the light intensity and color temperature via an app. This is ideal for smart homes with Zigbee or Wi-Fi lighting.
Frequently asked questions about lumens and LED lighting
Why are lumens used instead of watts?
Wattage indicates how much energy a bulb consumes, but says nothing about how bright the bulb is. Lumens show the actual light output and are therefore a more reliable measure when choosing the right LED bulb.
Why do some LED bulbs produce less light than expected?
This can have several causes.
- A low CRI value (color rendering index) makes colors appear duller and the light seem weaker. For natural-looking light, preferably choose a CRI value of 80 or higher.
- An incorrect beam angle can cause the light to spread differently than with a traditional bulb. A narrow beam angle of 10 to 30 degrees is focused, while a wide beam angle of 50 degrees or more is suitable for general lighting.
- The color temperature determines whether the light appears warm (2700K), neutral (4000K), or cool (6000K). Warm light feels softer, while cool light appears brighter.
Can I dim LED bulbs?
Yes, but only if the bulb is dimmable. This is clearly stated on the packaging.
How many lumens do I need for a well-lit workspace?
At least 700 lumens per m² is recommended for a workspace. This helps prevent eye strain and ensures sufficient brightness.
Summary: how to choose the right LED bulb
- Replace old incandescent bulbs based on lumens, not wattage. Use the table as a reference.
- Determine how much light you need per room. Workspaces and kitchens require more lumens than ambient lighting in the living room.
- Pay attention to the color temperature. Warm white at 2700K is ideal for creating ambiance, while neutral white at 4000K or daylight white at 6000K is better for functional lighting.
- Use dimmable LED bulbs if you want to adjust the light intensity. Check whether your dimmer is suitable for LED lighting.
- Smart lighting offers extra flexibility. With it, you can adjust not only the light intensity but also the light color via an app.
