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Lumens to Watts Conversion Chart

This Lumens to Watts Conversion Chart provides an estimate of the wattage equivalents for different types of bulbs (incandescent, LED, and CFL) ]based on their light output in lumens. Keep in mind that actual wattage may vary slightly depending on the specific brand and model of the bulb, so it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's specifications.​

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Please pay attention that the above values ​​are approximate. It may vary depending on several factors, such as brand, type and bulb age. However, the lumens to watts chart is a reliable reference to understand the relationship between lumens and watts.

 

It is clear to see that LEDs are one of the best choices for energy saving. Compared to other products, It offers more lumens per watts.

What Are Lumens and Watts and What is the Difference between Them？

When selecting lighting solutions, it's common practice to reference wattage. Traditionally, wattage has been associated with a bulb's output, with the assumption that higher wattage correlates to increased brightness. However, wattage fundamentally indicates electrical power consumption. For instance, a 60-watt incandescent bulb consumes 60 watts per hour. It's crucial to understand that wattage does not directly quantify light output. 

In contemporary lighting, lumens serve as the definitive metric for brightness. Lumens directly measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a source, representing the perceived brightness. A higher lumen value signifies greater light output. To illustrate, an 800-lumen LED bulb delivers a light output equivalent to a traditional 60-watt incandescent bulb. 

Therefore, for modern lighting procurement, lumens should be the primary consideration for assessing brightness, while wattage should be used to determine energy consumption. In essence, lumens define brightness, and watts define power consumption. 

The shift to lumens reflects advancements in energy-efficient lighting technologies. Lumen provides a more accurate representation of a bulb's brightness. Different bulb types may produce the same lumens with varying wattages.​​​

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How to Convert Lumens to Watts 

To convert lumens to watts, the key is to understand the luminous efficiency of different bulb types. Generally speaking, traditional incandescent bulbs produce about 10-15 lumens per watt, while LED lights are much more efficient, usually producing 80-100 lumens per watt.  

It’s also important to find the luminous efficacy. Here is reference standard values. 

• Incandescent bulbs: 10–17 lm/W

• Halogen bulbs: 15–25 lm/W

• CFL (fluorescent): 50–70 lm/W

• LED bulbs: 80–150+ lm/W
  
  

Higher efficacy means more light output per watt, indicating better energy efficiency. In addition, Most LED bulbs, fluorescent lamps, or other lighting products list their luminous efficacy on the packaging or datasheet. Or, you can calculate it yourself if you know the luminous flux and power consumption. Here is the equation: 

​Watt = Lumens ÷ Luminous Efficiency 
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Wondering how 800 lumens to watts works? For example, if you need 800 lumens of brightness, and the LED light you choose has an efficiency of 100 lumens per watt, it only needs about 8 watts of power. The same trick works for other common cases. 500 lumens to watts is 5W, and 1000 lumens to watts is 10W. This method can help you choose a bulb that is both bright and energy efficient.

Choose a Bulb Based on the Lumen-to-Watt Chart

Based on the table above, we can see that LED and CFL bulbs generally have superior lumens-to-watt ratios compared to traditional incandescent bulbs​,​  making them a more energy-efficient choice. This efficiency not only reduces energy consumption, but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, supporting global sustainable development goals. By prioritizing lumens in lighting decisions, consumers can make a significant contribution to environmental protection and energy conservation.

To enhance your energy-efficient lighting choices, you must take a look at  LEDVANCE's TruWave CCT Selectable LED Lamps​, These advanced lighting solutions combine a strong lumens to watts conversion with adjustable color temperatures, offering both flexibility and top-tier efficiency. By offering five different CCT options, these lamps can not only adapt to your lighting needs, but also help you achieve optimal energy efficiency. 

In addition, TruWave CCT Selectable LED Lamps simulate the natural light spectrum, promote a better sleep/wake cycle, and reduce eye fatigue by reducing the intensity of blue light. They feature a 90+ CRI for excellent color rendering, and both BR30 and PAR38 models allow for easy switching of settings. These lights offer an efficient and versatile lighting solution that meets energy conservation goals, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to optimize lighting performance and energy efficiency. ​​​​

Why Choosing Lights by Wattage No Longer Works

For years, people used watts to figure out how bright a light bulb would be. But that method doesn’t really work anymore. Watts measure how much energy a bulb uses, but not how much light it gives off.

With modern LED technology, a 10 watt LED can be brighter than an old 60 watt incandescent bulb because LEDs turn more energy into light instead of wasting it as heat.

This is where “wattage thinking” falls short. First, it leads to bad comparisons. You might see two bulbs labeled “100W equivalent,” but if one is 90 lumens per watt and the other is 120, they’ll give off very different amounts of light. Second, it hides how inefficient old bulbs really are. Traditional incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of their energy as heat.

If you’re still buying bulbs based on watts, you’re missing out on better options. For example, if you pick a 60W bulb for your living room lamp without checking the lumens, you might end up with way too much light. For businesses, especially in places like warehouses, sticking to outdated wattage standards can mean spending 3 to 5 times more on electricity compared to switching to efficient, lumen-focused LED lighting.

That’s where a lumens to watts conversion becomes essential. It helps consumers and professionals alike understand true light output, make smarter energy decisions, and shift toward more efficient, cost-saving LED solutions.​

Conclusion

​​​​​Understanding lumens to watts conversion is essential for making informed choices in an era of energy efficiency. By recognizing the differences between lumens and watts, utilizing lumens to watts conversion charts, and considering environmental impacts, consumers can navigate the world of lighting with confidence. As we embrace energy-efficient technologies, the transition from watts to lumens ensures a brighter and more sustainable future.

F​AQ of Lumens to Watts

1. How many watts is 800 lumens? ​​

The wattage for 800 lumens varies depending on the type of bulb. For incandescent bulbs, it typically takes about 60 watts. For LED bulbs, it ranges from 8 to 12 watts, and for CFL bulbs, it’s around 13 to 18 watts. 

2. Why are lumens more important than watts for measuring brightness? 

Lumens measure the actual light output or brightness of a bulb, whereas watts measure power consumption. With advancements in energy-efficient lighting technologies, different bulbs can produce the same brightness (lumens) with varying wattages. Therefore, lumens provide a more accurate representation of a bulb's brightness.

3. Why do LEDs have higher lumens per watt compared to traditional lighting?

LEDs are more efficient than traditional lighting mainly because they work in a completely different way. Old-school bulbs like incandescent produce light by heating a filament until it glows, which means most of the electricity turns into heat, not light. That’s a lot of wasted energy.

LEDs, on the other hand, use a process called electroluminescence. When electricity passes through a semiconductor, it directly creates light with very little energy loss. That makes LEDs much more efficient.

Plus, LED light is naturally directional. Unlike traditional bulbs that scatter light in all directions and need reflectors to redirect it, LEDs shine light exactly where it’s needed. That focused beam means even more of the light is actually useful, boosting their real-world efficiency even further.​